Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is a challenging task due to the complexities involved in tracking sales across different editions, languages, and formats. Books published centuries ago often have multiple versions, including abridged or expanded editions, and some were initially released as serials before being compiled into books. Additionally, sales figures can be inflated by publishers for promotional purposes, and historical record-keeping may be inaccurate. These factors make it difficult to establish precise sales numbers.
To address these challenges, we've focused solely on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help books, political works, and other reference materials. This means classics like the Bible and Mao Tse Tung's Little Red Book are not included, nor are some notable works like The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo, due to their serialization and age-related data issues.
Did your favorite book make our list? How do you think the quality of these books compares to their sales figures? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And don't forget to explore the best-selling books of 2024 for the latest must-reads 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 heartwarming tale of Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan who finds a home with the Cuthberts in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, has captivated readers since its publication. The endearing relationship between Anne and her foster parents, who initially expected a boy, led to the book's immense success and 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
Heidi, a beloved children's novel, follows the journey of a young girl who, after being orphaned, is raised by her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Her friendship with Klara, a wealthy girl from Frankfurt who has lost the ability to walk, enriches both their lives, showcasing themes of friendship and resilience.
23. Lolita
### Lolita
9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov
Country: United States
Publication Date: 1955
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
Initially controversial, Nabokov's Lolita explores the disturbing relationship between an English professor and a 12-year-old girl. Despite initial reluctance from publishers, the novel has since been adapted into a play, an opera, and two films, including one directed by Stanley Kubrick.
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
Gabriel García Márquez's masterpiece is a sweeping tale of the Buendía family and the fictional town of Macondo. This novel, rich in magical realism, explores themes of cyclical time and karmic fate across seven generations.
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
Ben-Hur follows the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a contemporary of Jesus, who witnesses his crucifixion. The novel is best known today through its iconic film adaptation, particularly remembered for its thrilling chariot race.
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
This poignant romance novel tells the story of Francesca, an Italian American war bride, and her passionate affair with a traveling photographer. The book was adapted into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and later into a Broadway musical that won two Tony Awards.
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
J.D. Salinger's only full-length novel, The Catcher in the Rye, is a seminal coming-of-age story centered on Holden Caulfield, an expelled prep school student grappling with the complexities of adolescence and the "phoniness" of the adult world.
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. The book's release was accompanied by a massive anti-spoiler campaign, and it was adapted into two films.
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
In this sixth book, Harry delves deeper into the history of Lord Voldemort, preparing for the ultimate confrontation. Half-Blood Prince sets the stage for the series' dramatic conclusion.
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 world of Harry Potter, introducing new characters and deepening the plot. Despite initial criticism, it has gained appreciation over time for its world-building and character development.
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
Goblet of Fire marks a turning point in the series, introducing the Triwizard Tournament and darker themes. It's widely regarded as one of the strongest entries, with a memorable twist that shifts the narrative toward higher stakes.
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 significant leap in maturity and storytelling, captivating readers with the introduction of Sirius Black and the Time-Turner. It's often cited as the moment when many readers became dedicated fans.
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
Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist follows a Spanish shepherd on a quest for treasure in Egypt. Initially a commercial failure, the book's success is a testament to Coelho's perseverance and belief in his work. Original language: Portuguese.
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, introducing key elements of the backstory and setting the stage for future adventures.
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
Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code became a cultural phenomenon with its fast-paced narrative and controversial claims about Jesus and the Catholic Church. Despite mixed reviews from critics, it achieved immense commercial success.
10. Vardi Wala Gunda
### Vardi Wala Gunda
5See it at AmazonAuthor: Ved Prakash Sharma
Country: India
Publication Date: 1992
Estimated Sales: 80 million copies
Written in Hindi, Vardi Wala Gunda is a gripping mystery thriller about corrupt police and assassination plots. It is the most famous work of Ved Prakash Sharma, who has authored over 170 novels.
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
She: A History of Adventure is a foundational work in the fantasy genre, telling the story of explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa. Its influence can be seen in popular media like the Indiana Jones and Tarzan franchises.
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
C.S. Lewis's classic introduces readers to Narnia, a magical world accessed through a wardrobe. The tale of four children battling the White Witch and restoring Aslan's rule has become a cornerstone of children's literature, spawning six sequels.
7. The Hobbit
### The Hobbit
13See it at AmazonAuthor: J.R.R. Tolkien
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1937
Estimated Sales: 100 million copies
Before The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit introduced readers to Bilbo Baggins and his adventure with a wizard and dwarves to reclaim their treasure from a dragon. Initially a standalone, it was later integrated into Tolkien's broader Middle-earth saga.
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 China's greatest novels, Dream of the Red Chamber chronicles the rise and fall of a noble family during the Qing Dynasty. It is renowned for its detailed portrayal of female characters and societal dynamics.
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
Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None is a masterfully crafted murder mystery where ten people are trapped on an island, dying one by one according to a nursery rhyme. It's widely regarded as one of her finest works.
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 first book in the Harry Potter series introduces readers to the magical world through Harry's eyes, capturing the wonder and excitement of his initial foray into wizardry. It set the stage for a global phenomenon.
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
The Little Prince is a timeless tale that explores the innocence of childhood and the limitations of adult perspectives. Its allegorical nature has led to various interpretations, including as a commentary on war and spirituality.
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
Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities opens with one of literature's most famous lines, setting the stage for a gripping narrative about the French Revolution. It delves into themes of class struggle and human resilience.
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
Don Quixote is a seminal work of Spanish literature, telling the story of a man who, inspired by tales of chivalry, embarks on a series of misadventures. Its iconic scenes, like the battle with the windmills, have become cultural touchstones.
Best Selling Books in 2024
Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is more straightforward, thanks to data from Amazon's best-selling books list. This list reflects a significant portion of online book sales and includes a mix of New York Times bestsellers and other notable releases. Here are the top 10 books of 2024 according to Amazon:
- 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
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