What is the Longest Book in the World?

Determining the longest book in the world can involve several factors, such as total word count, page numbers, or even the number of characters (referring to letters, not individuals).

One notable example is Marcel Proust's "À la recherche du temps perdu" ("In Search of Lost Time"), which not only boasts a Guinness World Record but also offers a deeply layered story and a profound examination of memory and time.

The Longest Book in the World

Marcel Proust's "In Search of Lost Time" holds the distinction of being acknowledged by the Guinness World Records as the longest book ever written.

This monumental work of French literature, comprising over 1.2 million words spread across seven volumes, explores the intricate psychology of its characters and their societal interactions. It transcends traditional storytelling, offering a vast and immersive literary journey unlike any other.

How Many Pages Is 'À la recherche du temps perdu'?

The page count varies by edition, but most standard versions exceed 4,000 pages in total.

This extensive length not only highlights the narrative's depth but also Proust's richly detailed writing style. Beyond pages, the book's character count, including every letter and space, totals 9,609,000, earning it the Guinness World Record for the longest book.

For passionate readers, embarking on the world's longest novel is both a significant undertaking and a deeply enriching literary adventure — particularly because it extends across several volumes!

Who Was Marcel Proust?

Marcel Proust, a renowned French novelist, is celebrated for his 3,000-page magnum opus, first published in French as "À la recherche du temps perdu."

Proust's work is acclaimed for its deep dive into themes like memory, longing, and the passage of time, as seen through the reflective life of its protagonist. His innovative narrative style and intricate character portrayals have greatly influenced contemporary storytelling.

Details Regarding 'À la recherche du temps perdu'

Plot

The narrative of "À la recherche du temps perdu" intricately examines relationships, societal structures, and the complexities of human psychology, all viewed through the lens of the narrator's recollections.

The tale famously opens with the narrator's spontaneous recollection of past events, triggered by the simple act of tasting a Madeleine cake soaked in tea.

This moment sparks a cascade of memories about his life, the individuals he has encountered, and the social milieu he inhabits, blending personal anecdotes with insightful societal observations.

Publication

Marcel Proust initially released "Swann's Way," the first volume, in 1913, following multiple rejections from publishers. His determination ultimately succeeded, introducing what would become a revolutionary series in the literary world.

The following volumes were published over the next 14 years, some after Proust's death, as he continuously expanded and polished his narrative until his passing in 1922.

Each installment garnered growing praise, cementing Proust's legacy and the novel's significance in literary and cultural history. The complete series not only showcased Proust's extraordinary talent but also represented a pivotal moment in publishing, shaping the structure and themes of the modern novel.

Critical Acclaim

Proust's masterpiece did not immediately receive the recognition it deserved. It was only after the release of "Swann's Way" that its brilliance started to gain acknowledgment.

Today, "In Search of Lost Time" is revered for its profound psychological depth and its richly detailed, poetic depiction of early 20th-century French society, securing its position not only in literary history but also in the Guinness World Records.

Longest Book Published in a Single Volume

With an impressive 1.2 million words, Xavier Herbert's "Poor Fellow My Country" is recognized as the longest Australian novel and potentially the lengthiest single-volume novel ever penned.

Released in 1975, this monumental work stretches over 1,463 pages, presenting a comprehensive depiction of Australian society and culture in the early 20th century. Through compelling characters and elaborate narratives, Herbert delves into themes of identity, race, and national identity, set against the vast Australian terrain.

The Longest Encyclopedia

While Marcel Proust's work is recognized as the longest novel ever written, there are numerous other lengthy books that are not novels. For instance, "The Yongle Encyclopedia" or "Yongle Dadian," a Chinese encyclopedia commissioned by the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty in the early 15th century.

This encyclopedia comprises more than 22,000 chapters across over 11,000 volumes, containing roughly 370 million Chinese characters. It is regarded as one of the most extensive encyclopedic compilations in human history.

10 Longest Books in the World

Although "À la recherche du temps perdu" holds the record for the longest book, many other works also feature impressive lengths. Here are 10 notable examples, listed in ascending order: