Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is no easy feat. The challenge arises from the varied nature of book publications, especially those from centuries past, which often had multiple editions, translations, and adaptations. Some books were published in serial format, later compiled into volumes, while others were distributed in bulk or even for free. Add to this the issue of inconsistent record-keeping and sales figures that publishers might inflate for promotional purposes, and the task becomes even more daunting. Despite these challenges, we've crafted a list with some self-imposed guidelines to focus on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help guides, political literature, and reference books. This means classics like the Bible and Mao Tse Tung's Little Red Book, as well as works like The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo, are not included due to their unique publication histories and challenges in quantifying their sales.
Did your favorite book make it onto our list? How do you think the quality of these books aligns with their sales figures? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to explore the best-selling books of 2024 for some recent reads to enjoy on your reading tablet.
25. Anne of Green Gables
### Anne of Green Gables
20See it at AmazonAuthor: L.M. Montgomery
Country: Canada
Publication Date: 1908
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
The story of a spirited orphan girl who comes to live in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, Canada, has captivated readers for over a century. Anne's endearing relationship with her foster parents, who initially expected a boy, became a beloved narrative that inspired seven sequels, with an eighth released posthumously in 2009. Buy here.
24. Heidi
### Heidi
6See it at AmazonAuthor: Johanna Spyri
Country: Switzerland
Publication Date: 1880-1881
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
This children's novel follows the journey of a young girl, orphaned and raised by her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Heidi's friendship with Klara, a wealthy girl from Frankfurt who has lost the ability to walk, showcases the power of companionship and personal growth.
23. Lolita
### Lolita
9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov
Country: United States
Publication Date: 1955
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
Initially controversial, Nabokov's tale of an English professor's obsessive infatuation with a 12-year-old girl has become a landmark in literature. Adapted into a play, an opera, and two films, including one directed by Stanley Kubrick, Lolita remains a provocative and influential work.
22. One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad)
### One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad)
6See it at AmazonAuthor: Gabriel García Márquez
Country: Colombia
Publication Date: 1967
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
Marquez's masterpiece weaves a dark, dramatic tale of the Buendía family, founders of the fictional town of Macondo. Through seven generations, the novel explores the cyclical nature of life and the impact of magical realism on the human experience.
21. Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
### Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
6See it at AmazonAuthor: Lew Wallace
Country: United States
Publication Date: 1880
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
This novel follows Judah Ben-Hur, a contemporary of Jesus, who witnesses his life and crucifixion. Best known for its cinematic adaptation featuring an iconic chariot race, Ben-Hur remains a powerful exploration of faith and redemption.
20. The Bridges of Madison County
### The Bridges of Madison County
13See it at AmazonAuthor: Robert James Waller
Country: United States
Publication Date: 1992
Estimated Sales: 60 million copies
A poignant romance novel about an Italian American war bride's passionate affair with a traveling photographer, this story was adapted into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. It also inspired a Broadway musical, winning accolades for its score and orchestrations.
19. The Catcher in the Rye
### The Catcher in the Rye
7See it at AmazonAuthor: J.D. Salinger
Country: United States
Publication Date: 1951
Estimated Sales: 65 million copies
Salinger's iconic coming-of-age story follows Holden Caulfield, a young man grappling with the complexities of adolescence. As the only full-length novel by the reclusive author, it remains a touchstone in American literature, with hints of more unpublished works to come.
18. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
### Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
16See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 2007
Estimated Sales: 65 million copies
The final installment of the Harry Potter series sees Harry, Hermione, and Ron on a perilous mission to defeat Lord Voldemort. Its release sparked global excitement and debates about pivotal characters' loyalties, culminating in a two-part cinematic adaptation.
17. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
### Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
9See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 2005
Estimated Sales: 65 million copies
Serving as a prelude to the series' climax, this book delves into Harry's quest to understand Voldemort's past, setting the stage for the ultimate battle between good and evil.
16. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
### Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
10See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 2003
Estimated Sales: 65 million copies
The longest book in the series, Order of the Phoenix expands the narrative universe, introducing new characters and deepening the stakes as Harry confronts his anger and the encroaching darkness.
15. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
### Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
12See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 2000
Estimated Sales: 65 million copies
This pivotal novel introduces the Triwizard Tournament, shifting the series toward darker themes with high stakes, death, and violence, marking a significant turning point in the Wizarding World's narrative.
14. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
### Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
10See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1999
Estimated Sales: 65 million copies
This book marks a leap in narrative maturity, captivating fans with the introduction of new challenges and mysteries surrounding Harry's past and the escaped wizard Sirius Black.
13. The Alchemist (O Alquimista)
### The Alchemist (O Alquimista)
13See it at AmazonAuthor: Paulo Coelho
Country: Brazil
Publication Date: 1988
Estimated Sales: 65 million copies
Coelho's tale of a Spanish shepherd's journey to Egypt in search of treasure is a testament to perseverance. Initially a commercial failure, it eventually became a global sensation, reflecting the power of fate and personal destiny.
12. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
### Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
10See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1998
Estimated Sales: 77 million copies
While often considered the weakest in the series, Chamber of Secrets expands the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts, laying groundwork for future adventures and deepening the lore of the school's founders.
11. The Da Vinci Code
### The Da Vinci Code
9See it at AmazonAuthor: Dan Brown
Country: United States
Publication Date: 2003
Estimated Sales: 80 million
A gripping thriller that delves into church conspiracies and the lineage of Jesus, The Da Vinci Code became a cultural phenomenon despite critical panning, captivating readers with its fast-paced narrative and controversial themes.
10. Vardi Wala Gunda
### Vardi Wala Gunda
5See it at AmazonAuthor: Ved Prakash Sharma
Country: India
Publication Date: 1992
Estimated Sales: 80 million copies
This Hindi mystery thriller explores themes of corruption and conspiracy within the police force, making it one of the most successful works by the prolific author Ved Prakash Sharma.
9. She: A History of Adventure
### She: A History of Adventure
8See it at AmazonAuthor: H. Rider Haggard
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1886
Estimated Sales: 83 million copies
A foundational work in the fantasy genre, She follows explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa. Its influence can be seen in popular media, from Indiana Jones to Tarzan.
8. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
### The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
14See it at AmazonAuthor: C.S. Lewis
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1950
Estimated Sales: 85 million copies
The first book in The Chronicles of Narnia series, this beloved tale transports four children to a magical land ruled by the White Witch. It has inspired numerous sequels and adaptations, cementing its place in children's literature.
7. The Hobbit
### The Hobbit
13See it at AmazonAuthor: J.R.R. Tolkien
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1937
Estimated Sales: 100 million copies
Originally a standalone children's book, The Hobbit follows Bilbo Baggins on a quest with a wizard and dwarves to reclaim their home. Its integration into the broader Middle-earth saga solidified its place in fantasy literature.
See our guide to The Lord of the Rings timeline.
6. Dream of the Red Chamber
### Dream of the Red Chamber
4See it at AmazonAuthor: Cao Xueqin
Country: China
Publication Date: 1791
Estimated Sales: 100 million copies
Considered one of the great Chinese novels, Dream of the Red Chamber offers a nuanced portrayal of a noble family's rise and fall during the Qing Dynasty, with a focus on its female characters.
5. And Then There Were None
### And Then There Were None
8See it at AmazonAuthor: Agatha Christie
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1939
Estimated Sales: 100 million copies
Christie's masterpiece of suspense traps ten people on an island, where they are picked off one by one according to a chilling nursery rhyme. A testament to her skill, it remains one of the best murder mysteries ever written.
4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
### Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
18See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1997
Estimated Sales: 120 million copies
The enchanting introduction to Harry Potter's world, this book captures the wonder of a young wizard discovering his destiny. It set the stage for a series that has captured imaginations worldwide.
3. The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince)
### The Little Prince
10See it at AmazonAuthor: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Country: France
Publication Date: 1943
Estimated Sales: 140 million copies
A timeless tale that explores the essence of childhood and the limitations of adulthood, The Little Prince has been interpreted as a commentary on war and even as a Biblical allegory, captivating readers with its profound simplicity.
2. A Tale of Two Cities
### A Tale of Two Cities
12See it at AmazonAuthor: Charles Dickens
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1859
Estimated Sales: 200 million copies
Set during the French Revolution, this novel explores themes of class struggle and human suffering, beginning with one of the most famous lines in literature, capturing the tumultuous era with vivid detail.
1. Don Quixote
### Don Quixote
24See it at AmazonAuthor: Miguel de Cervantes
Country: Spain
Publication Date: 1605 (Part One), 1615 (Part Two)
Estimated Sales: 500 million copies
A timeless tragicomedy, Don Quixote follows a man so enamored with tales of chivalry that he imagines himself a knight. Iconic scenes like his battle with windmills have cemented this work as a cornerstone of world literature.
Best Selling Books in 2024
Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is simpler than compiling an all-time list, thanks to platforms like Amazon. Here are the top 10 books of the year, according to Amazon's best-selling list:
- The Women - Kristin Hannah
- Onyx Storm - Rebecca Yarros
- Atomic Habits - James Clear
- Hillbilly Elegy - J.D. Vance
- The Housemaid - Freida McFadden
- Mom, I want to Hear Your Story - Jeffrey Mason
- Dad, I want to Hear Your Story - Jeffrey Mason
- The Anxious Generation - Jonathan Haidt
- It Ends With Us - Colleen Hoover
- Good Endergy - Casey Means M.D
Looking for more books?
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