Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is challenging due to the complexities of historical sales data, multiple editions, translations, and varying record-keeping practices. These factors make it difficult to determine exact sales figures, especially for older books. To navigate these challenges, we focused on literary fiction only, excluding religious texts, self-help guides, political tools, and other reference books. This also meant leaving out notable works like The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo due to issues with serialization and age-related data reliability.
Did your favorite book to curl up with under a book light make our list? How well do you think the quality matches up with the quantity sold? Share your thoughts in the comments. And don't forget to explore the best-selling books of 2024 below for recent picks 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 heartwarming tale of Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan who finds a home with the Cuthberts in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, became a beloved classic. Her endearing relationship with her foster parents, who initially expected a boy, captured readers' hearts and inspired seven sequels, including a posthumous novel 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 timeless children's novel, follows the journey of a young girl who, after losing her parents, 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, showcases themes of resilience and companionship.
23. Lolita
### Lolita
9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov
Country: United States
Publication Date: 1955
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
Initially controversial and difficult to publish, Nabokov's Lolita explores the disturbing relationship between an English professor and a 12-year-old girl. Its impact is evident in its adaptations 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 weaves a tale of the Buendía family across seven generations in the fictional town of Macondo. Infused with magical realism, it explores the cyclical nature of life and the impact of history on family and community.
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 narrates the life of Judah Ben-Hur, who lives during the time of Jesus and witnesses his Crucifixion. The novel's enduring legacy includes a famous film adaptation featuring a memorable chariot race, which remains a cinematic highlight.
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 romantic tale follows Francesca, an Italian-American war bride, and her passionate affair with a photographer while her family is away. Adapted into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and later into a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, the story continues to captivate audiences.
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, a disaffected prep school student. Despite Salinger's reclusive nature, his work's influence persists, with rumors of unpublished writings to be released posthumously.
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 epic conclusion to the Harry Potter series, Deathly Hallows, follows Harry, Hermione, and Ron as they seek to defeat Voldemort. The book's release was a global event, marked by an anti-spoiler campaign and intense debates about character loyalties. It was adapted into two films to capture its full scope.
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
Half-Blood Prince sets the stage for the series' climax, with Harry learning crucial information about Voldemort. Its detailed exposition and character development make it an essential part of the saga leading up to the final battle.
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, initially faced criticism for its slow pace and Harry's persistent anger. However, it has since been appreciated for its detailed world-building and the expansion of the trio's circle to include key characters like Luna, Ginny, and Neville.
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 pivotal shift in the series, introducing the Triwizard Tournament and darker themes. Its dramatic plot twists and heightened stakes make it a standout, setting the tone for the saga's more intense later volumes.
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
Prisoner of Azkaban showcases a leap in narrative maturity, captivating readers with its complex plot and emotional depth. Harry's third year at Hogwarts introduces Sirius Black, whose connection to Harry's past adds layers of intrigue and suspense.
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, its eventual success is a testament to Coelho's perseverance, reflecting themes of destiny and personal legend. 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
Though often considered the weakest in the series, Chamber of Secrets expands the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts, introducing key elements of the school's history 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
The Da Vinci Code captivated readers with its fast-paced narrative and controversial claims about religious history. Despite mixed reviews from critics, its commercial success and cultural impact are undeniable.
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 that delves into corruption and conspiracy within the police force. It stands as one of the most successful works by 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
She is a foundational work in the fantasy genre, telling the tale of explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa. Its influence is 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
The first in The Chronicles of Narnia series, this book introduces readers to a magical world where four children embark on an adventure to save Narnia from the White Witch. Its enduring appeal has led to six sequels, 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 from a dragon. Its integration into the larger Middle-earth saga has made it a beloved classic.
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 rich portrayal of a noble family's rise and fall during the Qing Dynasty. Its nuanced depiction of female characters adds depth to its historical narrative.
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, And Then There Were None, is a gripping murder mystery set on an isolated island. As the characters are picked off one by one, the tension builds, making it one of her most celebrated 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 of Hogwarts and the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Its blend of wonder and adventure has captured the hearts of millions 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
The Little Prince is a poignant exploration of childhood innocence and the complexities of adulthood. Its universal themes and poetic narrative have made it a timeless classic, beloved across generations.
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' A Tale of Two Cities opens with one of literature's most famous lines, setting the stage for a tale of love and sacrifice during the French Revolution. Its exploration of class and social upheaval remains relevant today.
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 timeless epic that follows the adventures of a man who believes he is a knight. Its blend of humor, tragedy, and satire has made it one of the most influential works in literature, with scenes like the battle with windmills becoming iconic.
Best Selling Books in 2024
Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is more straightforward, thanks to platforms like Amazon. Here are the top 10 books of the year, based on Amazon's best-sellers list, which reflects a significant portion of online book sales:
- 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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