doorstoppers
Heavy door props
Doorstoppers are thick, heavy books—the kind that could literally prop open a door.
The term is mildly disparaging, suggesting a book's length may not be justified by its content: I finally finished that 800-page doorstopper.
Sometimes used affectionately by fans of epic fantasy or historical fiction who embrace the heft.
Stabilizing wedge
- wedgeTapered splitting tool
- propSupport or stage item
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- shimThin piece for leveling
bumper · holder · kickstand · anchor · brace · support · stabilizer · insert
Substantial scholarly volume
- epicImpressively grand in scope
- sagaExtended heroic narrative
- brickFired clay building unit
- blockbusterEnormously successful entertainment property
hardcover · manuscript · volume · compendium · anthology · encyclopedia · dictionary · lexicon
Brittle iron-carbon alloy
- brassCopper-zinc metal mixture
- ceramicFired clay material
- noveltyQuality of being original
- figurineSmall ornamental sculpture
bookend · animal shape · weighted · vintage · antique · ornamental · sculptural · collectible
chock
Stabilizing wedge
shim · bumper · holder · kickstand · anchor · brace · support · stabilizer · insert · spacer
tome
Substantial scholarly volume
blockbuster · hardcover · manuscript · volume · compendium · anthology · encyclopedia · dictionary · lexicon · textbook
cast iron
Brittle iron-carbon alloy
figurine · bookend · animal shape · weighted · vintage · antique · ornamental · sculptural · collectible · housewarming gift