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, translations, and formats. Books published centuries ago often have incomplete sales records, and publishers may inflate numbers for promotional purposes. To navigate these challenges, we've focused solely 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 the cut? 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 captured the hearts of readers worldwide. 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 traces the family's fortunes and misfortunes over seven generations, reflecting on themes of time, fate, and cyclical history.
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 man living during the time of Jesus, whose path intersects with the Messiah's. The novel's most famous adaptation is the epic film starring Charlton Heston, renowned 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 brief but intense affair with a traveling photographer. The story was later adapted into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and 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 iconic novel captures the angst and alienation of adolescence through the eyes of Holden Caulfield, an expelled prep school student. Despite being Salinger's only full-length novel, it has left an indelible mark on literature, with rumors of unpublished works still to come.
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 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 fully capture its 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
In this pivotal installment, Harry delves deeper into the mysteries of Lord Voldemort, preparing for the final battle. The book sets the stage for the series' climax, balancing exposition with high stakes and emotional depth.
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 for its length and Harry's anger, it has grown in appreciation 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 celebrated for its thrilling plot twists and the expansion of the Wizarding World, setting the stage for the series' more intense later 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
This book marks a significant leap in maturity and complexity, captivating readers with its darker tone and the introduction of Sirius Black. It's often cited as the moment when many readers became true 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 perseverance and fate. Initially a flop, the book's success is a story of determination, reflecting the themes within its pages. 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 larger society and the school's history. It sets the stage for the more thrilling adventures to come.
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 reviews from critics, it captivated readers with its controversial claims about Jesus and a secretive sect within the Catholic Church.
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 plots. Ved Prakash Sharma, with over 170 novels to his name, achieved his greatest success with this gripping tale.
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 novel about explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa is a cornerstone of the fantasy genre. Its influence can be seen in works like Indiana Jones and Tarzan, shaping the narrative of lost civilizations and mystical adventures.
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. This beloved tale spawned six sequels, collectively known as The Chronicles of Narnia.
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 enchanted readers with the tale of Bilbo Baggins and his quest with a wizard and dwarves to reclaim their home from a dragon. Initially a standalone story, 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 offers a detailed portrayal of a noble family's rise and fall during the Qing Dynasty. Its nuanced depiction of female characters and intricate storytelling have earned it enduring acclaim.
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, where they are picked off one by one according to a chilling nursery rhyme. This gripping mystery is often cited as one of Christie's 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 of Hogwarts and the boy who lived. Its blend of wonder, adventure, and relatable characters has made it a timeless classic, inspiring countless readers and adaptations.
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 enchanting tale of a young prince's journey across planets is a profound meditation on life, love, and the innocence of childhood. Its universal themes have resonated with readers of all ages, making it a perennial favorite.
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 historical novel set during the French Revolution opens with one of literature's most famous lines. It explores themes of class struggle, sacrifice, and redemption, 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
Miguel de Cervantes's epic tale of the delusional knight Don Quixote and his loyal squire Sancho Panza is a timeless exploration of reality and illusion. 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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