I like the list, PJ. While writing I found a Wiki list of largest word counts... I've lost it now, can only find a non-fun one with mainstream. The winner by far wasn't mainstream but a cult experiment in publishing -- yes, I've forgotten the title. I think of mine as a single novel, 2/3rds done at 450,000. I know you out-clout me with your Sanctuary. Out of curiosity, what's your total?

It depends upon whether you consider all four as one book, which they (sadly) actually are, in an overarching thematic sense. I think Richard McGowan speculated that they were likely close to a million altogether.

In my defense though, I had to repeat a lot of information and appendices when I broke them into fours. I should have just kept them as a series of chapters or serial episodes, I suppose.

And to be fair, it's Faerie's list. I'm just happy to contribute since I love a good long read. :-)

As to whether the four are one book, I go with author's intention. A single novel however big is different to a series, in conception -- I'll take author's conception.

You've read some great epics, Bryn. Feel free to add any that you think are deliciously engrossing and would take a nice long while to read.

:} Thanks Faerie. I have a hesitation that a few I'd guess to be around 200,000 but I'd have to quiz authors for their word counts. Are you happy with my rough estimates?

Actually, I think I'll make word count more of a guideline than a rule. I think what we're going for is the sweep, the characters, and the narrative arc.

Ditching the word count criteria is good. I started out looking a few up before entering them, but it was a pain. I gave that up and just added those that seemed most epic-like to me. In fact, I've just thought of a few more...

And by the way, I'm just adding books as I think of them, and not in any particular order!

Yep, me too, PJ. I probably should add all of yours since they're supposed to be all one storyline. Right? But I'm sticking to what I've personally read.