Why Did Leo Tolstoy and Victor Hugo Write Enormously Long Novels?

Long Novels of the Past: A Compelling Answer

Have you ever wondered why classic authors like Leo Tolstoy and Victor Hugo wrote such deliberately long and detailed novels? It's all rooted in a fascinating historical business model of literary magazines and the social context of the era. In periods of history when predictability was valued, literary magazines offered a steady stream of serialized content. Which, in turn, gave famous writers an economic incentive to produce extensive prose.

Financial Incentives and Subscription Models

Financial Encouragement for Extensive Writing

The magazine business thrived on predictability, offering exclusive access to the latest works of renowned writers. This model enabled writers to receive substantial financial support by providing a vast amount of content. Monthly installments were typical of serialized novels, and additional subplots often added as the author refined the plot structure.

The Evolution of Long Prose

Long Prose and the Absence of Competition

The length of these works was influenced by the literary norms of the time. During Tolstoy's and Hugo's era, there was little competition from other media like movies, television, and stage plays. Fewer avenues existed for delivering fiction, making novels a primary means of storytelling.

Social and Economic Context of the Time

Descriptive Necessity and Reader Interests

Back then, readers primarily wanted detailed descriptions and a leisurely experience. Most people did not travel far from their hometowns, so the depiction of unfamiliar places like London or St. Petersburg was crucial. This need for extensive description also reflects the lack of other forms of entertainment, where novels provided a formidable competition to enter.

Environmental and Practical Considerations

The Lasting Appeal of Long Books

Long novels were seen as a value proposition because they offered sustained engagement. In one of Terry Pratchett's books, he humorously quipped that a long book could serve as a practical toilet paper substitute during a winter break. This highlights how these works were crafted to provide enduring entertainment.

A Special Case of Dickens

The Low-Class Appeal of Stories

However, not all long novels were written for the wealthy idle classes. Charles Dickens, for instance, was known to write serialized stories in newspapers that appealed to the emerging literate lower classes. His works, later compiled into longer books, were an early example of the popularization of novels, especially those aimed at affordable and accessible forms of literature.

The Transition to Modern Times

Evolution and Competition

As society evolved, the factors influencing the length and style of novels changed. With more people reading, including those with busy schedules, there was a shift towards shorter, more action-packed narratives. The advent of media like films and television also competed with books, leading to a change in the reader's preference and expectations for immediate resolution and excitement.

Lord of the Rings: A Historical Intrigue

Legacy of Long Novels in Modern Times

Modern novels, like J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, stand as an interesting anomaly. Written in a style reflective of its era, it embodies the long, descriptive narrative that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite their popularity back then, most modern books no longer follow this style if they wish to achieve broad appeal in today's market.

Long novels might be a distant memory in today's fast-paced world, but they hold a unique place in literary history. They reflect the cultural and economic norms of their time and serve as an important reminder of the changing landscape of the publishing industry.