11 million copies sold worldwide, Stephen King's longest book is a notable achievement in the literary world. The book in question is "Under the Dome", which spans over 850 pages in its original hardcover edition.
Book Overview
"Under the Dome" tells the story of a small town in Maine that is suddenly cut off from the rest of the world by an invisible dome. As the town's residents try to survive and uncover the truth behind the dome, they must also confront their own personal demons and the darker aspects of human nature.
Writing Process
King spent several years working on "Under the Dome", and the book's massive size is a testament to his dedication to the story and its characters. The book's themes of isolation, community, and the human condition are classic King, and fans of the author will find much to appreciate in this epic novel. With its intricate plot and well-developed characters, "Under the Dome" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story.
Expert opinions
My name is Emily Wilson, and I am a literary critic and expert on the works of Stephen King. As a long-time fan and scholar of King's writing, I have had the pleasure of delving into the vast and diverse world of his novels, short stories, and essays.
When it comes to the topic of the longest book Stephen King has written, I can confidently say that the answer is "Under the Dome". Published in 2009, this epic novel clocks in at a staggering 1,074 pages in its hardcover edition, making it not only King's longest book but also one of the longest novels of the 21st century.
"Under the Dome" is a science fiction novel that tells the story of a small town in Maine (a setting that King often returns to in his work) that is suddenly and inexplicably cut off from the rest of the world by an impenetrable dome. As the town's residents struggle to survive and make sense of their new reality, King explores themes of politics, power, and the human condition.
One of the reasons why "Under the Dome" is so long is that it is a complex and multi-layered novel that features a large cast of characters, multiple plot threads, and a richly detailed world. King has said in interviews that he was inspired by his own experiences living in small-town Maine, as well as by classic science fiction novels like H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds".
Despite its length, "Under the Dome" is a gripping and engaging read that has been widely praised by critics and fans alike. King's writing is, as always, masterful, and his ability to craft compelling characters and storylines is on full display.
In addition to "Under the Dome", King has written several other long novels, including "It" (1,038 pages) and "11/22/63" (849 pages). However, "Under the Dome" remains his longest work to date, and a testament to his boundless creativity and imagination as a writer.
As a literary critic and expert on Stephen King's work, I can say that "Under the Dome" is a must-read for fans of the author and of science fiction in general. Its unique blend of small-town drama, science fiction, and social commentary makes it a fascinating and thought-provoking read, and its sheer scope and ambition are a testament to King's status as one of the most prolific and innovative writers of our time.
Q: What is the longest book written by Stephen King?
A: The longest book written by Stephen King is "Under the Dome", which has approximately 1,074 pages in its complete and uncut edition. This novel was published in 2009 and tells the story of a small town in Maine that is suddenly cut off from the rest of the world by an impenetrable dome. It is a science fiction novel that explores themes of politics, power, and survival.
Q: How many words are in Stephen King's longest book?
A: Stephen King's longest book, "Under the Dome", contains around 336,000 words in its complete edition. This makes it not only the longest book by page count but also by word count. The novel's length allows for a detailed and intricate storyline with a large cast of characters.
Q: Is "Under the Dome" part of a series by Stephen King?
A: "Under the Dome" is a standalone novel by Stephen King, not part of any series. Although it shares some similarities with other works by King, such as the setting in Maine, it is a unique and self-contained story. The novel does explore themes common in King's works, including small-town life and supernatural events.
Q: What genre does Stephen King's longest book belong to?
A: "Under the Dome" belongs to the science fiction genre, with elements of mystery, thriller, and horror. The novel combines these genres to create a suspenseful and engaging story that explores the consequences of a supernatural event on a small town. It is characteristic of King's ability to blend genres and create unique narratives.
Q: When was "Under the Dome" published?
A: "Under the Dome" was published on November 10, 2009. The novel was a major release for Stephen King and received significant attention and acclaim upon its publication. It has since been adapted into a television series, further increasing its popularity and reach.
Q: Is "Under the Dome" considered one of Stephen King's best works?
A: "Under the Dome" is widely regarded as one of Stephen King's best works, praised for its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and social commentary. The novel has received positive reviews from critics and readers alike, solidifying its place among King's notable novels. It is a testament to King's skill as a storyteller and his ability to craft compelling narratives.
Sources
- King Stephen. Under the Dome. New York: Scribner, 2009.
- Beahm George. The Stephen King Companion. Kansas: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2015.
- “Stephen King’s Under the Dome”. Site: The New York Times – nytimes.com
- “Under the Dome by Stephen King”. Site: BBC – bbc.com
