multivolume
Spanning several books
Multivolume describes a work, typically a book or reference set, that spans more than one physical volume.
Encyclopedias, comprehensive histories, and collected works of prolific authors often appear as multivolume sets.
The multivolume biography took him fifteen years to complete.
The term emphasizes scope and comprehensiveness—a multivolume treatment suggests exhaustive coverage of a subject.
Comprehensive subject-matter collection
- lexiconVocabulary of a language
- dictionaryAlphabetical word reference
- handbookCompact reference guide
- compendiumCondensed reference collection
atlas · gazetteer · index · cross-references · entries · alphabetical · authoritative · illustrated
Extended heroic narrative
- chroniclesSequential historical accounts
- trilogyThree linked creative works
- quartetEnsemble of four
- sequelContinuation of prior work
prequel · installments · continuation · arc · narrative · storyline · epic · pentalogy
Open-sided protective box
- hardcoverRigid-bound book format
- gilt-edgedOf superior quality
- spineColumn of vertebrae
- bindingLegally or morally required
Complete artistic output
- correspondenceExchanged written communication
- lettersAlphabetic characters or mail
- papersOfficial written records
- archivesStored historical documents
manuscripts · anthologies · compilations · writings · memoirs · journals · diaries
Single-topic scholarly work
- treatiseFormal scholarly composition
- dissertationExtended academic treatise
- thesisAcademic argument requiring defense
- commentaryExplanatory remarks on events
proceedings · festschrift · annotated · footnotes · bibliography · apparatus · historical-critical
encyclopedia
Comprehensive subject-matter collection
- lexiconVocabulary of a language
- dictionaryAlphabetical word reference
- handbookCompact reference guide
compendium · atlas · gazetteer · index · cross-references · entries · alphabetical · authoritative · illustrated · annotated
saga
Extended heroic narrative
- chroniclesSequential historical accounts
- trilogyThree linked creative works
- quartetEnsemble of four
sequel · prequel · installments · continuation · arc · narrative · storyline · epic · pentalogy · omnibus
slipcase
Open-sided protective box
- hardcoverRigid-bound book format
- gilt-edgedOf superior quality
- spineColumn of vertebrae
binding · dust-jacket · folio · quarto · octavo · matched · uniform
oeuvre
Complete artistic output
- correspondenceExchanged written communication
- lettersAlphabetic characters or mail
- papersOfficial written records
archives · manuscripts · anthologies · compilations · writings · memoirs · journals · diaries
monograph
Single-topic scholarly work
- treatiseFormal scholarly composition
- dissertationExtended academic treatise
- thesisAcademic argument requiring defense
commentary · proceedings · festschrift · annotated · footnotes · bibliography · apparatus · historical-critical
multivolumestandalone
Complete without attachments
self-contained · single · unitary · monograph · compact
volume, multiply, multiple, multiplication, volumes, multiplied, multinational, multiplicity, multimedia