The physical limits of print and the weight of fantasy
In short: When a book becomes so massive it hits the maximum printable size allowed by a publisher, it ceases to be just a story. It becomes a logistical feat. Brandon Sanderson’s Words of Radiance pushed these boundaries, nearly being renamed for its sheer physical scale.
Published in March 2014, 'Words of Radiance' served as the second volume in Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive. The production of the novel faced significant hurdles before it reached shelves; notably, Sanderson delayed the release to fulfill his commitment to finishing the final book of 'The Wheel of Time.' This delay highlights the logistical complexities of managing high-profile literary commitments across different series.
The book’s physical presence is a point of notable trivia. Originally, Sanderson intended to title the volume 'The Book of Endless Pages,' named after a tome within the story's lore. However, his editor intervened, questioning the practicality of such a long name for an already massive work. At 1,088 pages, the novel reached the maximum printable size permitted by Tor Books, making it the largest book the company had printed to that date.
Beyond its physical dimensions, the narrative explores complex themes of identity and power. The story follows characters like Jasnah Kholin, who discovers 'Soulcasting,' and Kaladin, a 'darkeyes' soldier struggling with his hatred for the lighteyes while training as a Windrunner. It also delves into the Parshendi people, whose leader Eshonai undergoes a transformation into 'Stormform,' a state that grants aggressive power but threatens to drive her into madness.
The work was recognized by the literary community, winning the David Gemmell Legend Award for best novel in 2015. Its release was marked by an extensive marketing campaign, including daily previews titled 'The Glimpses of Radiance' and a series of early chapter releases that allowed readers to engage with the narrative's scope before the official publication.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Words of Radiance
- Also: Digital Commons - St. Norbert College (St. Norbert College) — Fall/Winter 2020-21: In My Words/Mission Radiance When It Counts · CC0 (metadata)
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