What is the longest piece of literature?

The longest piece of literature ever written is considered to be the novel "In Search of Lost Time" (also known as "Remembrance of Things Past") by Marcel Proust. First published in 1913, the novel consists of seven volumes and a total of over 1.2 million words.

"In Search of Lost Time" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores themes of memory, time, love, and social class in early 20th-century France. It is known for its intricate prose style, vividly drawn characters, and detailed descriptions of everyday life.

The novel took Proust over 13 years to write and is often considered one of the greatest works of literature in the Western canon. It has been translated into numerous languages and has had a lasting impact on writers and artists around the world.

While "In Search of Lost Time" is widely regarded as the longest single piece of literature, other contenders for the title include epic poems such as "The Mahabharata" and "Mahākāvya." However, in terms of sheer word count, Proust's novel remains unrivaled.