The 25 Best-Selling Books Of All Time

Compiling a list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is a daunting task, given the complexities involved. Books published centuries ago were often released in various editions, translated into multiple languages, and sometimes serialized before being compiled into larger volumes. Additionally, some were abridged or expanded, and many were purchased in bulk for free distribution. Inaccurate record-keeping and exaggerated sales figures further complicate the process, making it nearly impossible to create an indisputable list. With these challenges in mind, we've crafted a list focused solely on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help guides, political tools, and other reference works. Notably, we've omitted classics like The Lord of the Rings due to its serialization and The Count of Monte Cristo due to its age and unreliable sales data.

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 check out the best-selling books of 2024 for some recent reads to enjoy on your 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

This classic children's story follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan who arrives at Green Gables in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Expecting a boy, her foster parents grow to love her deeply, leading to the creation of seven sequels and 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 tale of a young girl orphaned and 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 growth and support.

23. Lolita

### Lolita

9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1955

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Initially controversial, Lolita narrates the disturbing obsession of an English professor with a 12-year-old girl. Despite initial reluctance from publishers, the novel has 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

Marquez's masterpiece is a sweeping tale of the Buendía family and the fictional town of Macondo, blending magical realism with a dark, dramatic narrative. The story spans seven generations, reflecting cycles of prosperity and suffering.

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 epic novel follows Judah Ben-Hur, a man living during the time of Jesus, witnessing his life and crucifixion. The book is best known today through its iconic movie 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

This romantic novel captures a brief but intense affair between an Italian American war bride and a traveling photographer. Adapted into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, it also inspired 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

Salinger's only full-length novel, The Catcher in the Rye, is a quintessential coming-of-age story featuring Holden Caulfield, an expelled prep student grappling with the "phoniness" of the world. Salinger, a reclusive author, left behind a legacy of unpublished works that may soon be revealed.

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 installment of the Harry Potter series sees Harry, Hermione, and Ron on a mission to defeat Lord Voldemort. The book's release was marked by a massive anti-spoiler campaign, and its narrative was split into two films.

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 book, Harry delves deep into the history of Lord Voldemort, preparing for the ultimate confrontation. It sets the stage for the final battle in Deathly Hallows.

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 in the series, Order of the Phoenix initially faced criticism but has since been appreciated for its world-building and character development, expanding the trio to include 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

This gripping novel introduces the Triwizard Tournament, expanding the Wizarding World and marking a shift towards 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

A leap forward in prose maturity, this book marks the moment when many readers became devoted fans. It introduces new challenges for Harry, including an escaped wizard connected to his parents' past.

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

Coelho's tale of a Spanish shepherd's journey to Egypt in search of treasure was initially a flop but became a global phenomenon. The author's persistence and belief in fate have made this book a worldwide success. 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 considered the weakest in the series, Chamber of Secrets expands the wizarding society beyond Hogwarts and sets the stage for the subsequent, more exciting adventures.

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

This fast-paced thriller delves into church conspiracies and controversial claims about Jesus's descendants. Despite critical panning, it became a pop culture phenomenon and a commercial success.

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, this mystery thriller explores themes of 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

A seminal work in the fantasy genre, She follows explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa. Its influence can be seen in popular media 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

This beloved children's book transports four siblings into the magical world of Narnia, where they battle the White Witch and meet Aslan, the lion. It 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 introduced readers to Bilbo Baggins and his quest with a wizard and dwarves to reclaim their home from a dragon. Initially a standalone, 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 the great Chinese novels, this work from the Qing Dynasty chronicles the rise and fall of a noble family, known for its 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 masterpiece traps ten people on an island, where they are picked off one by one according to a nursery rhyme. This gripping murder mystery is considered one of her 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 in the Harry Potter series, this book captures the wonder of Harry's initial entry into the wizarding world. It set a new standard for fantasy literature and remains a beloved classic.

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 timeless tale of a prince traveling from his asteroid to other planets offers profound insights into childhood, adulthood, and human nature, often interpreted as a commentary on war and a Biblical allegory.

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

Set during the French Revolution, this novel begins with one of literature's most famous openings, exploring themes of class struggle, poverty, and wealth with Dickens' characteristic depth.

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 tragicomedy follows the delusional Don Quixote, who, inspired by tales of chivalry, embarks on a quest with his squire and lady. Iconic scenes, like his battle with windmills, have cemented its place in literary history.

Best Selling Books in 2024

Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is more straightforward, thanks to 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 new 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 Energy - Casey Means M.D.

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