Top 25 Best-Selling Books Ever

Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is challenging due to numerous factors such as different editions, translations, and the complexities of sales tracking across centuries. Books have been published in various forms, including serializations and abridged versions, which complicates the process of determining exact sales figures. Additionally, historical inaccuracies and promotional exaggerations by publishers further muddy the waters. Despite these challenges, we've compiled a list focusing solely on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help guides, political tools, and other reference works. This means classics like the Bible and Mao Tse Tung's Little Red Book are omitted, as are notable works like The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo due to their serialization and age-related data issues, respectively.

Curious if your favorite bedtime read made the cut? How do you think the quality of these books aligns with their sales figures? Share your thoughts in the comments. And don't forget to explore our selection of the best-selling books of 2024 for the latest must-reads on your e-reader.

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

This classic children's story follows the spirited orphan Anne Shirley as she finds a home with the Cuthberts on Prince Edward Island. Despite their initial expectation of a boy, Anne's charm and vivacity win them over, leading to a beloved series that spans 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 tells the heartwarming story of a young orphan girl who lives with 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 companionship and growth, making it a timeless children's novel.

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 infatuation of an English professor with a 12-year-old girl. The novel's impact is evident in its adaptations into a play, an opera, and two films, including one directed by Stanley Kubrick and scripted by Nabokov himself.

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 delves into the cyclical nature of life and fate through the Buendía family's saga in the fictional town of Macondo. This epic tale spans seven generations and is renowned for its magical realism and profound storytelling.

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, who lives during the time of Jesus and witnesses his Crucifixion. While the novel is less known today, its adaptation into a film starring Charlton Heston is famous for its thrilling chariot race scene.

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 romance novel captures the fleeting affair between an Italian American war bride and a traveling photographer. Its adaptation into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and later into a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, underscores its enduring appeal.

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 'phoniness' of the world. This sole full-length novel by Salinger remains a cultural touchstone, with potential future releases of his unpublished works eagerly anticipated.

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 chapter in the Harry Potter saga sees Harry, Hermione, and Ron on a perilous quest to defeat Lord Voldemort. Its release was a global event, accompanied by anti-spoiler efforts and debates about character loyalties, culminating in a two-part film 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

In this pivotal installment, Harry learns crucial information about Voldemort's past, preparing for the ultimate confrontation. Half-Blood Prince sets the stage for the series' climax in Deathly Hallows, enriching the narrative with deep character development and plot exposition.

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

This longest of the Potter books expands the universe and introduces new characters like Luna, Ginny, and Neville. Despite initial criticism for its slow start and Harry's angst, it's now appreciated for its detailed world-building and narrative setup.

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 with the introduction of the Triwizard Tournament and darker themes. It's celebrated for its plot twists and the escalation of stakes, setting a more mature tone for the subsequent books.

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

A leap in narrative sophistication, this book introduces the mysterious Sirius Black and delves deeper into the lore of the wizarding world. It's often cited as the turning point where readers became fans, captivated by the story's increased complexity.

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 shepherd's journey to Egypt in search of a treasure became a global phenomenon after a slow start. Its universal themes of following one's dreams resonate widely, making it a perennial favorite.

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 and sets up key elements for future books. It keeps readers engaged enough to continue the journey into the more celebrated Prisoner of Azkaban.

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 thriller, with its short chapters and gripping narrative, became a cultural phenomenon. Despite mixed critical reception, its exploration of church conspiracies and historical mysteries captivated readers worldwide.

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 delves into the world of corrupt cops and assassination conspiracies. As one of Ved Prakash Sharma's most famous works among his 170 novels, it has resonated deeply with Indian readers.

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 cornerstone of fantasy literature, influencing countless works with its tale of explorers discovering a lost African kingdom. Its impact is seen in popular franchises like Indiana Jones and 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

C.S. Lewis's enchanting tale of four children entering the magical world of Narnia has become a children's literature classic. It's the first in a series of seven books that continue to captivate readers with their themes of good versus evil.

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 adventures with a wizard and dwarves. Initially a standalone story, it later became integrated into Tolkien's broader Middle-earth mythology.

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

This revered Chinese novel from the Qing Dynasty explores the rise and fall of a noble family, with a particular focus on its female characters. It's considered one of the greatest works of Chinese literature.

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 traps ten people on an island with a murderer among them. As they die off according to a nursery rhyme, the survivors race against time to solve the mystery.

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 captures the magic and wonder of his first foray into wizardry. While many boarding school and wizard stories existed before, none have captured the public's imagination like Rowling's series.

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 limitations of adult perspectives. Its universal appeal and multiple interpretations have made it a beloved classic 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

Dickens's epic tale of the French Revolution opens with one of literature's most famous lines. It explores themes of class struggle and human resilience, cementing its place as a literary classic.

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

This timeless tragicomedy follows the adventures of Don Quixote, a man deluded by chivalric romances into believing he is a knight. Its iconic scenes, like the battle with windmills, have secured its place as the best-selling novel of all time.

Best Selling Books in 2024

Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is simpler, thanks to platforms like Amazon. Their list of the year's top sellers includes a mix of New York Times bestsellers and other notable releases. While it doesn't capture all book sales, it offers a significant snapshot of current trends. 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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