Compiling a list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is a challenging endeavor, given the myriad factors that complicate sales data. Books from centuries past often appeared in various editions and translations, and some were released in serialized forms before being compiled into complete volumes. Others were bought in bulk for distribution, further muddying the waters of accurate sales tracking. Additionally, publishers sometimes inflate sales figures for promotional purposes, making it nearly impossible to create a definitive list.
To navigate these challenges, we focused solely on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help books, political works, and reference materials. This means that well-known titles like the Bible and Mao Tse Tung's Little Red Book, which would undoubtedly rank highly, are not included. We also omitted certain classics such as The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo due to difficulties in quantifying their sales accurately.
So, 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 some fresh reading options on your tablet.
### Anne of Green Gables
20See it at AmazonAuthor: L.M. Montgomery
Country: Canada
Publication Date: 1908
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
The enchanting story of Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan girl who finds a home in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, Canada, has captivated readers since its publication. Anne's endearing relationship with her foster parents, who initially expected a boy, blossomed into a heartwarming tale that led to seven sequels, including a posthumous novel released in 2009. Buy here.
### Heidi
6See it at AmazonAuthor: Johanna Spyri
Country: Switzerland
Publication Date: 1880-1881
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
Set in the Swiss Alps, Heidi follows the journey of a young orphan girl who lives with her grandfather. Her adventures and friendship with Klara, a wealthy girl from Frankfurt who has lost the ability to walk, highlight themes of resilience and companionship, making it a beloved children's classic.
### Lolita
9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov
Country: United States
Publication Date: 1955
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
Initially considered too controversial for publication, Lolita has since become a literary landmark. The story of an English professor's obsessive and disturbing relationship with a 12-year-old girl has been adapted into a play, an opera, and two films, including one directed by Stanley Kubrick.
### 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, One Hundred Years of Solitude, is a sweeping tale of the Buendía family and the fictional town of Macondo. Infused with magical realism, the novel spans seven generations, weaving a narrative of prosperity, suffering, and the cyclical nature of life.
### 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 tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a man living contemporaneously with Jesus. The novel explores themes of redemption and faith, culminating in Ben-Hur's witness of the Crucifixion. Its cinematic adaptation, featuring a memorable chariot race, remains a cultural icon.
### 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 follows the passionate affair between Francesca, an Italian American war bride, and Robert, a traveling photographer, during a brief time when her family is away. Adapted into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and later a Broadway musical, it has resonated with audiences worldwide.
### 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. Through the eyes of Holden Caulfield, an expelled prep school student, readers explore themes of alienation and the struggle for authenticity in a world perceived as "phony."
### 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 in the Harry Potter series, The Deathly Hallows, follows Harry, Hermione, and Ron as they seek to defeat Lord Voldemort. Its release sparked a massive anti-spoiler campaign, and the book was split into two films to capture its epic scope.
### 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 The Half-Blood Prince, Harry delves into the past of Lord Voldemort, gaining crucial knowledge for the final battle. This book sets the stage for the series' climax, balancing exposition with the emotional stakes of the impending war.
### 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, The Order of the Phoenix, initially received mixed reviews due to its slow pacing and Harry's persistent anger. However, its detailed world-building and character development have since earned it a place among fans' favorites.
### 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
The Goblet of Fire marks a pivotal moment in the series, introducing the Triwizard Tournament and escalating the narrative with darker themes. This book's unexpected twists and high stakes solidify it as a fan favorite.
### 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
The Prisoner of Azkaban showcases a more mature writing style and introduces pivotal characters and plot points. Harry's third year at Hogwarts brings new challenges, including a confrontation with the escaped wizard Sirius Black.
### 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 journey to Egypt in search of treasure. Initially a commercial failure, the book's persistent promotion by Coelho led to its eventual success, becoming a testament to the power of perseverance.
### 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 of the series, The Chamber of Secrets expands the Wizarding World beyond Hogwarts. It delves into the school's history and introduces new elements that set the stage for future adventures.
### 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 gripping narrative and controversial claims about Jesus and the Catholic Church. Despite mixed critical reception, its commercial success is undeniable.
### 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 corruption and conspiracy within the police force. Ved Prakash Sharma's most famous work, it showcases his prolific writing career spanning over 170 novels.
### 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 tale of explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa. Its influence can be seen in popular franchises like Indiana Jones and Tarzan.
### 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 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe introduces readers to the magical world of Narnia, where four children embark on a quest to defeat the White Witch and restore Aslan to his rightful place. This beloved tale is the first in The Chronicles of Narnia series.
### The Hobbit
13See it at AmazonAuthor: J.R.R. Tolkien
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1937
Estimated Sales: 100 million copies
The Hobbit introduces readers to the world of Middle-earth through the adventures of Bilbo Baggins. Initially a standalone children's book, it became an integral part of Tolkien's expansive universe with the later success of The Lord of the Rings.
### Dream of the Red Chamber
4See it at AmazonAuthor: Cao Xueqin
Country: China
Publication Date: 1791
Estimated Sales: 100 million copies
Dream of the Red Chamber is a cornerstone of Chinese literature, depicting the rise and fall of a noble family during the Qing Dynasty. Its nuanced portrayal of female characters and intricate narrative have earned it enduring acclaim.
### 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 that traps ten people on an island with a killer among them. As the body count rises according to a nursery rhyme, the survivors race to uncover the truth.
### 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, The Sorcerer's Stone, introduces readers to the magical world through the eyes of Harry Potter. Its blend of wonder, adventure, and relatable characters has made it a timeless classic.
### 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 profound and poetic tale about a young prince's journey across planets. Its themes of love, loss, and the essence of human relationships have resonated with readers of all ages, making it a global favorite.
### 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 the most famous lines in literature, setting the stage for a gripping historical narrative set during the French Revolution. Its exploration of class struggle and human resilience remains relevant today.
### 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 tragicomedy that follows the adventures of a man so enamored with tales of chivalry that he sets out on a quest to become a knight. Its iconic scenes, like the battle with the windmills, have secured its place in literary history.
Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is more straightforward, thanks to reliable sales data from platforms like Amazon. The following list represents the top 10 best-selling books of the year according to Amazon:
Looking for more books?
Explore our guide to the Game of Thrones books in order or check out our favorite horror books to read right now.
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