Top 5 Longest Books in the World

Have you ever wondered which book holds the title of being the longest book ever written? Curiosity has led many readers to delve into the realm of exceptionally lengthy literary works. In this blog post, WiPDF will introduce you to the top 5 longest books ever written in the world, each of which stands as a testament to the art of storytelling and the endurance of readers.  

1. In Search of Lost Time (À la recherche du temps perdu)   

by Marcel Proust  

Word Count : 1.5 million words    
Published : 1913-1927    
Language : French  

Topping the list is In Search of Lost Time (also known as Remembrance of Things Past), written by French author Marcel Proust. This seven-volume masterpiece is often considered the  longest book  in the world by word count. The novel follows the narrator’s memories of childhood and adulthood in late 19th and early 20th-century France.  

Proust’s work is a detailed exploration of time, memory, art, and society. The novel is known for its intricate sentences and deep psychological insight. While it may be a challenging read due to its length and complexity, it is also celebrated for its poetic beauty and the profound themes it tackles. Many literary critics regard In Search of Lost Time as one of the greatest achievements in world literature.  

2. Artamène ou le Grand Cyrus   

by Madeleine de Scudéry  

Word Count : 2.1 million words    
Published : 1649-1653    
Language : French  

Though not widely read today, Artamène holds a record-breaking word count, making it one of the longest books in the world. Written by Madeleine de Scudéry, this 17th-century novel is a sprawling romance filled with adventures, love triangles, and political intrigue. It was originally published in 10 volumes, which were devoured by readers of the time.  

The plot follows the adventures of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, and his quests for love and glory. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in classical literature and historical romances, but its sheer length can be daunting. Despite its obscurity today,  Artamène remains a monumental work in literary history, earning its place as the  longest book ever written.  

3. Mission Earth   

by L. Ron Hubbard  

Word Count : 1.2 million words    
Published : 1985-1987    
Language : English  

Next up is Mission Earth, a ten-volume science fiction series by L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology. With over a million words, it’s one of the longest books ever written in English. The series tells the story of an alien race's attempts to prevent Earth from destroying itself, framed as a satire of various aspects of modern society, including politics, the media, and the environment.  

Mission Earth is known for its blend of adventure, humor, and critical social commentary. Despite being polarizing due to Hubbard's controversial figure, the series has attracted a dedicated fanbase. Readers who love long, complex plots with numerous twists and layers may find this saga worth the investment of time.  

4. Sironia, Texas   

by Madison Cooper  

Word Count : 1.1 million words    
Published : 1952    
Language : English  

Madison Cooper’s Sironia, Texas is a massive work of American literature, focusing on the lives of people in a fictional town in Texas. The novel, published in two volumes, delves into small-town life in the Southern United States and is often seen as a reflection of the culture, society, and politics of the early 20th century.  

Cooper spent 11 years writing this novel, and it was a bestseller when it was first released. Though it may not be as well-known today, Sironia, Texas stands out for its vivid portrayal of Southern life and its sheer length. Fans of American literature, particularly those interested in regional novels, may find this work a hidden gem and a classic entry among the longest books in the world.  

5. Clarissa, or the History of a Young Lady   

by Samuel Richardson  

Word Count : 970,000 words    
Published : 1747-1748    
Language : English  

Samuel Richardson’s Clarissa is not only one of the longest novels in the English language but also a groundbreaking work in the development of the novel as a literary form. Written as a series of letters (an epistolary novel), it tells the tragic story of a young woman named Clarissa Harlowe, who is subjected to the advances of a villainous man named Lovelace.  

The novel’s length allows Richardson to explore his characters’ thoughts and emotions in meticulous detail, making it a landmark work of psychological fiction. The themes of virtue, power, and society's expectations resonate strongly, even today. Though it can be difficult to tackle due to its size, Clarissa remains one of the most important works of 18th-century literature.  

Final Thoughts   

The pursuit of the longest book is a fascinating endeavor that highlights the boundless creativity of authors. While the exact ranking may fluctuate, these five novels stand as testaments to the power of storytelling and the human capacity for imagination. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just starting your literary journey, these  world's longest books invite readers to embark on a literary adventure like no other.