A common entry for puzzles describing a substantial, weighty tome often refers to a specific type of historical or significant publication. These publications are characterized not only by their physical dimensions but also by the breadth and depth of their content. An example of such a publication could be a comprehensive dictionary, a detailed encyclopedia, or a large-format art book.
The significance of identifying such an answer in a crossword stems from its reflection of cultural knowledge and vocabulary. Successfully solving the clue requires a solver to consider not only the literal meaning of “large” and “heavy” but also the connotative associations of scholarly or artistic merit often linked to substantial printed works. Historically, these publications represent a considerable investment of resources in their creation and distribution, underlining their cultural value.