Here are 22 of the longest novels ever written, presented in descending order by estimated word count. The list focuses on single novels or structured multi-volume works (not ongoing web fictions, pure series, or anthologies), and includes both renowned and obscure titles:
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The Blah Story by Nigel Tomm (2007–2012) – ~3,277,227 words
A 23-volume, avant-garde experimental novel designed to challenge literary conventions and defy straightforward interpretation. -
Marienbad My Love by Mark Leach (2008) – ~2,500,000 words
A surreal, metafictional exploration featuring a filmmaker stranded on an island facing a unique apocalypse. -
Artamène ou le Grand Cyrus by Madeleine and Georges de Scudéry (1649–1653) – ~2,100,000 words
A sprawling romantic adventure set in ancient Persia with politics, epic journeys, and over 400 characters. -
In Search of Lost Time (“À la recherche du temps perdu”) by Marcel Proust (1913–1927) – ~1,267,069 to 1,500,000 words
A detailed, introspective exploration of memory and society in early 20th-century France through the eyes of an unnamed narrator. In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust: Ultimate In-Depth Summary & Analysis (World’s Longest Novel) - Gordana by Marija Jurić Zagorka (1934–1935) – ~1,400,000 words
A Croatian historical novel set during a period of political turmoil, following Gordana’s struggle for love and freedom. -
Bottom’s Dream (“Zettel’s Traum”) by Arno Schmidt (1970) – ~1,100,000–1,300,000 words
A linguistically experimental novel about translating Edgar Allan Poe, lasting over a single day and filled with typographical innovation. -
Sironia, Texas by Madison Cooper (1952) – ~1,100,000 words
A detailed portrait of small-town life in Texas, inspired by Cooper’s observations of real people from Waco. -
Clarissa, or, the History of a Young Lady by Samuel Richardson (1748) – ~969,000 to 1,000,000 words
An epistolary novel chronicling the tragic life of Clarissa Harlowe, who resists her family’s ambition and oppressive suitor. -
Poor Fellow My Country by Xavier Herbert (1975) – ~852,000 words
A complex saga exploring aboriginal and settler relations in Australia during WWII. -
Mission Earth by L. Ron Hubbard (1985–1987) – ~1,200,000 words
A pulp science fiction satire, famous for its length and critique of bureaucracy, told in ten volumes. -
A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth (1993) – ~593,674 to 547,000 words
Follows a young woman’s search for love and identity in post-independence India, set against a richly detailed background. -
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (1957) – ~561,996 to 645,000 words
A dystopian drama about the role of the individual and capitalism in society. -
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (1869) – ~561,304 to 587,287 words
An epic tale of Russian life, politics, and philosophy during the Napoleonic Wars. Read a summary of War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy -
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo (1862) – ~545,925 to 655,478 words
Follows ex-convict Jean Valjean’s quest for redemption in 19th-century France. -
The Stand by Stephen King (1978) – ~514,827 words (expanded edition, 472,376 words)
A post-apocalyptic struggle between good and evil after a global plague. -
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (1954–1955) – ~470,000–564,187 words
A fellowship battles dark powers to save Middle-earth in this high fantasy cornerstone. -
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (1844–1846) – ~464,162 words
An adventure of betrayal, hope, and revenge concerning an innocent man’s transformation. -
Joseph and His Brothers by Thomas Mann (1933–1943) – ~1,492,000 words
A four-volume retelling of the biblical Joseph’s tale, exploring themes of destiny and history. -
Shōgun by James Clavell (1975) – ~421,370 words
An Englishman’s immersion into Japanese samurai culture during the 17th century. -
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1936) – ~418,053–426,590 words
A Southern woman’s survival and love during the American Civil War. -
The Naked God by Peter F. Hamilton (1999) – ~469,000 words
Science fiction epic concluding the Night’s Dawn trilogy, dealing with chaos across galaxies. -
The Man Without Qualities by Robert Musil (1930–1943, unfinished) – ~1,774,000 words
A philosophical modernist novel about the decline of Austro-Hungarian society.
Note: Word counts vary by translation and edition; several novels appear in multi-volume form but are conventionally treated as single works. Some extremely long titles (e.g., “The Wandering Inn,” “Devta,” “Perry Rhodan,” “The Malazan Book of the Fallen”) are primarily serialized web fictions or massive series and are omitted for technical accuracy in line with your request.