This compilation of the 25 best-selling books of all time presents a unique challenge. The inherent difficulties in accurately tracking book sales across centuries, considering various editions, translations, and distribution methods, make creating a definitive list nearly impossible. Inaccurate record-keeping and promotional exaggerations further complicate the task. Therefore, this list employs specific criteria:
We focus solely on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help, political works, and reference materials (noteworthy omissions like The Bible and Mao's Little Red Book would otherwise rank highly). Additionally, some significant titles, such as The Lord of the Rings (due to its serialized publication) and The Count of Monte Cristo (due to the age and reliability of available data), are excluded.
Did your favorite book make the cut? Does the sales volume reflect its literary merit in your opinion? Share your thoughts in the comments! Also, explore our selection of 2024's best-selling books below for contemporary reading material.
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 beloved children's classic follows the spirited orphan Anne Shirley as she navigates life in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. Her endearing relationship with her unexpected foster parents propelled the book to success, spawning seven sequels and a posthumous eighth novel.
24. Heidi
### Heidi
6See it at AmazonAuthor: Johanna Spyri
Country: Switzerland
Publication Date: 1880-1881
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
This children's story centers on Heidi, an orphan raised by her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Her connection with Klara, a wealthy girl from Frankfurt, forms the heart of this tale of friendship and growth.
23. Lolita
### Lolita
9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov
Country: United States
Publication Date: 1955
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
Initially met with publishing hesitancy due to its controversial subject matter, Nabokov's masterpiece explores the disturbing relationship between an English professor and a twelve-year-old girl. It has since been adapted for stage, opera, and film.
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
Márquez's epic novel, infused with magical realism, chronicles the multi-generational saga of the Buendía family and their fictional town, Macondo. The cyclical nature of their triumphs and tribulations forms the core of this captivating narrative.
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
This novel follows Judah Ben-Hur's life during the time of Jesus, culminating in his witnessing of the Crucifixion. The iconic chariot race from the film adaptation remains a lasting cultural touchstone.
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 depicts a passionate affair between an Italian-American war bride and a traveling photographer. Its cinematic adaptation starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep and subsequent Broadway musical further cemented its popularity.
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
Salinger's sole novel established Holden Caulfield as a literary icon (or anti-hero), captivating readers with his cynical coming-of-age story.
18-14. Harry Potter Series (Books 7-4): Deathly Hallows, Half-Blood Prince, Order of the Phoenix, Goblet of Fire
(Authors: J.K. Rowling; Country: United Kingdom; Publication Dates: 2007, 2005, 2003, 2000; Estimated Sales: 65 million copies each)
These four installments in the Harry Potter series continue the saga of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, escalating the stakes and introducing significant plot developments. They showcase Rowling's ability to expand the magical world while maintaining reader engagement.
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
This allegorical novel follows a Spanish shepherd's journey to Egypt in search of treasure. Its enduring popularity reflects its themes of personal growth and pursuing one's dreams.
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
This second installment expands the Harry Potter universe beyond Hogwarts, introducing new characters and deepening the mystery surrounding Harry's past.
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 copies
Brown's controversial thriller, with its blend of historical fiction and religious conspiracy, captivated readers and sparked widespread debate.
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-language mystery thriller, one of over 170 novels by Ved Prakash Sharma, achieved remarkable success in the Indian market.
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
Haggard's adventure novel, detailing the discovery of a lost kingdom in Africa, significantly influenced the fantasy genre and inspired numerous subsequent works.
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
This children's fantasy classic, the first in The Chronicles of Narnia, introduces readers to the magical world of Narnia and its struggle against the White Witch.
7. The Hobbit
### The Hobbit
13See it at AmazonAuthor: J.R.R. Tolkien
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1937
Estimated Sales: 100 million copies
Tolkien's prequel to The Lord of the Rings follows Bilbo Baggins's adventure with dwarves and a wizard. Its enduring appeal established a foundation for the 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 classic Chinese novel, set during the Qing Dynasty, depicts the rise and fall of a noble family and is renowned for its complex 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
Christie's acclaimed mystery novel traps ten individuals on an island, where they become victims of a deadly game based on a nursery rhyme.
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 inaugural book in the Harry Potter series introduced the magical world and its iconic characters to a global audience, sparking a cultural phenomenon.
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
This allegorical tale, exploring themes of childhood, adulthood, and the human condition, has captivated readers for generations with its poetic prose and enduring message.
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' masterpiece, set during the French Revolution, explores themes of social injustice, revolution, and redemption.
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
Cervantes' epic novel, a foundational work of literature, follows the delusional adventures of Don Quixote, a man who believes himself to be a knight errant.
Best Selling Books in 2024
Determining 2024's bestsellers is comparatively simpler, primarily using Amazon's sales data as a reliable indicator. While not encompassing all sales, it provides a strong representation of online book sales. Amazon's top ten for 2024 includes:
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 Energy - Casey Means M.D.
For further reading suggestions, explore our guides to Game of Thrones books and our favorite horror novels.
