It's refreshing to read blogs that refer to how long it actually takes to write a dissertation. I get so irritated when I read or hear that it usually takes 3 months to a year. I think 3 to 5 years is more the norm--AFTER coursework, taking comps and the bulk of the research is completed. My art history dissertation is 550 pages, plus 175 pages of notes and appendices and 180 photo plates. It took me 5 years to write, but I was teaching that whole time. If one had the luxury of not working, and really applied himself, he or she might be able to write a decent dissertation in 2 years. I think the general public thinks a Ph.D. is similar to a 2nd Masters. Wrong! It really irritates me when I see sit-coms or movies with people in their 20s who supposedly have Ph.Ds. Not realistic.