Top 25 Best-Selling Books Ever %v

Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is a complex task due to numerous factors. Books published centuries ago often have varying editions, translations, and even abridged or expanded versions, which complicates the tracking of sales figures. Additionally, historical sales records can be inaccurate, and publishers might inflate numbers for promotional purposes. These variables make it challenging to compile an indisputable list. With these considerations in mind, we've crafted our list with a focus on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help books, political tools, and other reference materials. This means iconic works like the Bible and Mao Tse Tung's Little Red Book are omitted, as well as some key novels like The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo, due to their serialization or age-related data challenges.

We're curious to hear from you: Did your favorite book make it onto 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 our picks for the best-selling books of 2024 for the latest reads 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

Anne of Green Gables is a cherished children's novel about a spirited orphan girl named Anne Shirley, who comes to live with the Cuthberts in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Initially expecting a boy, her foster parents grow to adore her, leading to the book's runaway success and inspiring 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 is a heartwarming children's novel about a young girl who, after being orphaned, is raised by her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Through her friendship with Klara, a wealthy girl from Frankfurt who has lost the ability to walk, Heidi experiences the wider world, fostering growth and mutual support between the two girls.

23. Lolita

### Lolita

9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1955

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Originally met with controversy, Lolita is Nabokov's most famous work, detailing 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, One Hundred Years of Solitude, is a sweeping tale of magical realism that chronicles the Buendía family over seven generations in the fictional town of Macondo. This epic narrative captures the cyclical nature of prosperity and suffering, making it a landmark of Latin American literature.

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: A Tale of the Christ follows the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a man living at the time of Jesus. The novel's central theme revolves around Ben-Hur's encounters with Jesus and witnessing the Crucifixion. It is best known today through its iconic film adaptation featuring a memorable 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

The Bridges of Madison County is a poignant romance novel about an Italian American war bride who embarks on a passionate affair with a traveling photographer. The story was later adapted into a romantic drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Meryl Streep, as well as 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 The Catcher in the Rye is the quintessential coming-of-age story, focusing on the life of Holden Caulfield, a disenchanted prep school student. This novel, Salinger's only full-length work, has made Holden an enduring literary figure, and Salinger's legacy continues with the potential posthumous release of his unpublished works.

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 climactic conclusion to the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, follows Harry, Hermione, and Ron as they seek to defeat Lord Voldemort. The book's release was a global event, accompanied by anti-spoiler campaigns and fervent debates over character loyalties. It was split into two films to fully capture its narrative 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 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the sixth book in the series, Harry learns crucial information about Lord Voldemort, setting the stage for the final confrontation. This book serves as the exposition to Deathly Hallows, focusing on preparation and understanding the enemy.

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

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the longest book in the series, initially faced criticism for its slow pacing and Harry's constant anger. Over time, it has been appreciated for its world-building and expansion of the main trio's circle to include 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

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is often considered one of the strongest entries in the series. It introduces the Triwizard Tournament, expanding the Wizarding World and marking a shift to darker themes with significant plot twists and high stakes.

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

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban marks a significant leap in prose maturity and is often cited as the moment many readers became fans. It introduces the complexities of Harry's past and the mysterious figure of Sirius Black.

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

The Alchemist, about a Spanish shepherd's journey to Egypt in search of treasure, was initially a commercial flop. Paulo Coelho's persistence led to its eventual success, and it is now celebrated for its themes of 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

Following the success of the first book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets expands the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts. Though often considered the weakest in the series, it sets the stage for the more intense narratives to follow.

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 became a cultural phenomenon with its fast-paced narrative and controversial claims about Jesus and the Catholic Church. Despite critical panning, it achieved massive commercial success, 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

Written in Hindi, Vardi Wala Gunda is a gripping mystery thriller about corrupt cops and assassination conspiracies. It is the most famous work of Ved Prakash Sharma, who has written 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

She: A History of Adventure is a foundational work in the fantasy genre, detailing the adventures of two explorers in a lost African kingdom. Its influence is evident in popular media like 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 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe introduces readers to Narnia, a magical land where four children confront the White Witch and meet the lion Aslan. This book, the first in The Chronicles of Narnia series, is 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

The Hobbit is a beloved children's book that follows Bilbo Baggins on a quest with a wizard and thirteen dwarves. Initially a standalone story, it was later integrated into Tolkien's broader Middle-earth legendarium, influencing The Lord of the Rings.

See our guide to The Lord of the Rings timeline.

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

Dream of the Red Chamber is a seminal Chinese novel from the Qing Dynasty, depicting the rise and fall of a noble family. It is renowned for its detailed and nuanced portrayal of female characters.

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 And Then There Were None is a masterful murder mystery where ten strangers are trapped on an island, systematically killed according to a nursery rhyme. Considered one of her best works, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

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

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone introduces readers to the magical world of Harry Potter, capturing the wonder of his first encounters with wizardry. This book set the stage for a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless readers and fans.

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 timeless tale of a young prince's journey across planets, exploring themes of childhood, love, and the human condition. Its poetic beauty and profound messages 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 compelling historical fiction set during the French Revolution. It opens with the iconic line, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," and delves into themes of class struggle and human resilience.

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 an enduring masterpiece about a man who, inspired by tales of chivalry, embarks on a quest as a knight-errant. This tragicomedy, with its iconic scenes like the battle with windmills, has captivated readers for centuries.

Best Selling Books in 2024

Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is more straightforward than compiling an all-time list. We can look at Amazon's best-selling books list for the year, which includes a mix of New York Times bestsellers and other notable releases. While this list doesn't capture all book sales, it represents a significant portion of online purchases. Here are the top 10 books of 2024, according to Amazon's list: