Tomes

A tome is a large, heavy book, typically a scholarly or reference work or a single volume within a multi-volume set. The term emphasizes size, weight, and authority more than a specific genre, and it is often used to distinguish substantial volumes from lighter novels or pamphlets.

Etymology: The word comes from Latin tomus, via Greek tomos, meaning a section or cut, later extended to denote a volume. In English, tome has been used since the Middle Ages to describe thick, important books, and in contemporary usage it can carry a slightly antiquarian or ceremonial connotation.

Uses and characteristics: Tomes are commonly encyclopedia entries, histories, grammars, religious compendia, or reference works intended for study. They are frequently leather-bound and designed for durability, sometimes with extensive apparatus such as indices, illustrations, or marginalia. In libraries, they are often treated as authoritative sources and shelved with other reference materials or as part of a multi-volume work.

Examples and cultural note: In fiction and criticism, the word tome evokes depth and seriousness, sometimes implying a daunting read. Notable multi-volume tomes include comprehensive encyclopedias and scholarly treatises, such as the multi-volume editions of the Oxford English Dictionary or classic reference works like Gray's Anatomy. While many tomes are historic, modern publishers still release contemporary weighty volumes on specialized topics.