Learn English – Noun form of “extant”

phrase-requestssingle-word-requests

I am trying to find a single word or short phrase to fit into the following passage:

Although many similar works were written, none of the others have survived. Its [extant-ness] is undoubtedly one of the main reasons for its influence.

Some things I have considered and rejected already:

  • uniqueness (because the work was not unique, although it is uniquely extant)
  • survival (this is close, but doesn't have quite the right ring to it)

I would really like a noun or short noun phrase that means "the quality of being extant". As far as I know, "extantness" is not a word (and if it is a word, yuck). Suggestions appreciated.

Best Answer

It seems you are looking for existence.

If you want to emphasize the fact that "just being extant" is in and of itself a main reason for its influence, you could use its mere existence or something of the kind.