Just how long does it take to write a classic?

For some writers, it can seem like the act of penning the greatest work of your life would seemingly take years.

But there are other writers, who in a burst of inspiration, pour out their heart on paper and finish something great in a time period that could almost be calculated in hours.

This chart provided by Printerinks tells us how long the writing process took for some of the most important books of society.

It's pretty cool.