* Definition of "book": Does this include pamphlets, articles, or only full-length novels?
* Anonymity: Many works were written anonymously, so attributing authorship is difficult.
* Lost Works: A significant portion of historical writing is lost or undiscovered.
However, some contenders often cited for prolific writing include:
* Isaac Asimov: He wrote a vast amount of science fiction, fantasy, and non-fiction, often exceeding 500 works.
* Barbara Cartland: This romance novelist is said to have written over 700 books.
* Stephen King: A modern master of horror, King has published over 60 novels and 200 short stories.
* Agatha Christie: Known for her mystery novels, she wrote over 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections.
It's more likely that the title of "most prolific writer" is held by someone whose works have been lost to history or whose authorship is uncertain.