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 centuries, multiple editions, translations, and various formats. Books published long ago often have incomplete sales records, and publishers may inflate numbers for promotional purposes. To navigate these challenges, we've focused on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help books, political works, and other non-fiction. 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
This beloved children's novel follows the journey of Heidi, an orphaned girl who 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 obsession of an English professor with 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 saga of the Buendía family and the fictional town of Macondo. Infused with magical realism, the novel spans seven generations, exploring themes of cyclical time and karmic retribution.
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's epic scope and themes of redemption have been immortalized in popular culture, particularly through the iconic chariot race in the film adaptation starring Charlton Heston.
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 novel's emotional depth was captured in the 1995 film adaptation starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and later in a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.
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 iconic coming-of-age story follows Holden Caulfield, a disaffected prep school student grappling with the complexities of adolescence. The novel's enduring appeal lies in its honest portrayal of teenage angst and its critique of societal "phoniness."
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 quest to defeat Lord Voldemort. The book's release was a global event, accompanied by an anti-spoiler campaign and intense debates about character loyalties. It was adapted into two films to capture its expansive narrative.
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 pivotal book, Harry delves deeper into the history and secrets of Lord Voldemort, preparing for the ultimate confrontation. The novel sets the stage for the series' climax, balancing exposition with intense emotional stakes.
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 explores Harry's struggle with anger and injustice as he faces new challenges at Hogwarts. It expands the wizarding world and introduces key characters like Luna Lovegood, enriching the narrative.
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 thrilling installment introduces the Triwizard Tournament, marking a darker turn in the series. With its gripping plot twists and high stakes, Goblet of Fire is often considered one of the strongest entries in the Harry Potter saga.
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
Marking a significant leap in narrative maturity, Prisoner of Azkaban introduces the mysterious Sirius Black and delves into Harry's past. This book is often cited as the moment when many readers became dedicated fans of the series.
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 tale of a Spanish shepherd's journey to Egypt in search of treasure is a testament to the power of perseverance. Initially a commercial failure, The Alchemist eventually became a global phenomenon, reflecting Coelho's belief in fate and personal destiny. 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 new elements of the magical society 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 the history of Christianity. Despite mixed critical reception, the novel's commercial success was undeniable, sparking widespread interest in its 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 by Ved Prakash Sharma explores themes of corruption and conspiracy within the police force. As one of Sharma's most successful works, it showcases his prolific career, which includes 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
H. Rider Haggard's She is a seminal work in the fantasy genre, telling the story of explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa. Its influence can be seen in numerous works, including 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 the magical world of Narnia, where four children embark on an epic adventure to defeat the White Witch and restore Aslan to his rightful place. The first in The Chronicles of Narnia series, it remains a cornerstone of 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
Before The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit introduced readers to Bilbo Baggins and his quest with a wizard and dwarves to reclaim their treasure from a dragon. Its enduring popularity has made it a beloved classic in fantasy literature.
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 offers a detailed portrayal of a noble family's rise and fall during the Qing Dynasty. Its nuanced depiction of female characters and social dynamics has earned it a lasting place in literary history.
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 masterpiece of suspense, And Then There Were None, traps ten strangers on an island where they are systematically killed off according to a nursery rhyme. Its intricate plot and psychological tension have made it one of the best-selling mystery novels of all time.
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 of Hogwarts and the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Its blend of wonder, friendship, and adventure has captivated millions, making it a cultural 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
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince is a timeless tale that explores the essence of childhood and the limitations of adult perspectives. Its poetic narrative and profound themes have resonated with readers worldwide.
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 is a gripping historical novel set during the French Revolution. Its famous opening lines and exploration of class struggle and human resilience have cemented its place as one of the best-selling novels ever.
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
Miguel de Cervantes's Don Quixote is a timeless tragicomedy about a man who, inspired by tales of chivalry, embarks on a quest as a knight-errant. Its iconic scenes, such as the battle with the windmills, have made it a cornerstone of world literature.
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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