How long is House of Leaves?
Typical listings: Hardcover ≈ 736 pages; Paperback ≈ 709 pages. Your copy’s pagination can vary by printing and region. Reading time depends on whether you follow footnotes/exhibits as they appear.
Quick answer
Page counts you’ll see most
- Hardcover: often listed around 736 pages
- Paperback (trade): often listed around 709 pages
- Why it varies: printings/regions and back-matter differences
What that means for time
- Straight read: roughly 11–15 hrs
- With footnotes/exhibits: roughly 19–27 hrs
- Study/annotate: ~30–40+ hrs
Times are estimates based on minutes-per-page ranges and differ by reader pace.
Edition notes that affect “length”
| Topic | Hardcover | Paperback |
|---|---|---|
| Typical page count | ≈ 736 | ≈ 709 |
| Reading handling | Stable on desk for rotated/sparse spreads | Lighter; quick flips for footnote chains |
| Good for | Long sessions, study tabs, gifting | First read, commute, class |
| Actions | Buy hardcover Compare formats | Buy paperback Compare formats |
Always verify your copy’s copyright page and printing line; pagination and back-matter can differ by edition/region.
Reading-time guide (by pace)
| Pace | Minutes / page | Hardcover (≈736p) | Paperback (≈709p) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight-through narrative | 0.9–1.2 | ≈ 11–15 hrs | ≈ 11–14 hrs |
| Footnotes + exhibits in place | 1.6–2.2 | ≈ 20–27 hrs | ≈ 19–26 hrs |
| Study / annotate | 2.5–3.5 | ≈ 31–43 hrs | ≈ 30–41 hrs |
These are rough planning ranges. Exploration of footnote chains, rereads of exhibits, or group discussion will extend time.
Related questions
Is the paperback shorter content-wise?
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Is the paperback shorter content-wise?
Core content order remains the same; pagination differs. Layout/trim size changes how many words fit per page, which shifts total page count. See format comparison.
Should I budget more time for footnotes?
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Should I budget more time for footnotes?
Yes. Some notes chain to other notes or exhibits. Keep two bookmarks and complete the chain before returning to the main line. See how to read.
Where should I read The Whalestoe Letters?
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Where should I read The Whalestoe Letters?
After appendices/exhibits on a first pass. That timing preserves surprises and clarifies echoes. Full guide: reading order.
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