A tome is a large scholarly book, or a single volume of a scholarly work, in modern usage. The word is usually associated with a particularly large or heavy book, such as an Oxford English Dictionary volume or a large textbook. A number of hefty tomes can be found in many academic libraries. Since 1573, this usage of the word has been documented. Large fiction books are sometimes incorrectly referred to as tomes.
The word tome was first used to describe a section or volume of a book in the early 1500s. Many books were produced in multiple parts at the time because they were large, heavy, and expensive to produce. Collectors could spread the cost of books by purchasing them one at a time rather than buying them all at once. The word “tomus” comes from the Latin word “tomus,” which meant “a single volume of a book.”
Tomus is derived from the Greek word “tomos,” which means “cut off section or piece.” Originally, tomes were published with the intention of being rebound by the owner once all of the volumes in a set had been collected. Changes in paper quality and binding from tome to tome can cause damage to other volumes of the book, which can be frustrating for antiquarian book specialists.
Academic books are still published in multiple volumes for the same reason they were in the 1500s: they are expensive and time-consuming to produce. Furthermore, because scholarly works can take decades to complete, academics will release sections of the book as they are completed to pique interest. Complex research books, such as the Kinsey Report, which was published in multiple volumes between 1948 and 1953, are a good example.
Tome can also be used respectfully and reverently to express awe and amazement at the size of a book and its presumably substantial contents. Many academics, particularly historians, aspire to publish a book or two during their careers, particularly if they want to keep their job at a major university. A tome is typically not considered portable, and is instead kept in a library or reading room for reference. Due to their academic value, cost, and size, people who own large books are often hesitant to lend them out.