Top 25 Best-Selling Books Ever

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 captivated readers since its publication. 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 relationship between Humbert Humbert, an English professor, and Dolores Haze, 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

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 spans seven generations, exploring themes of cyclical fate and the impact of history on personal lives.

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 contemporary of Jesus, whose journey intersects with the Crucifixion. The novel's most famous adaptation is the 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 Johnson, 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 follows Holden Caulfield, a disaffected teenager navigating the complexities of adolescence. Despite being Salinger's only full-length novel, it has left an indelible mark on literature, with its themes of alienation and authenticity resonating with readers worldwide.

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 perilous quest to defeat 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 capture its epic 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 book, Harry delves deeper into Voldemort's past, preparing for the ultimate confrontation. Half-Blood Prince sets the stage for the series' climax, balancing exposition with intense emotional stakes.

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 wizarding world and introduces new characters like Luna Lovegood. Despite initial criticism for its length and Harry's anger, it has grown in appreciation for its rich 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 magical universe, 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, with the introduction of Sirius Black and the Time-Turner. It's often cited as the moment when many readers became dedicated 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 The Alchemist follows a young shepherd on a journey to fulfill his personal legend. Initially a commercial failure, the novel's enduring message of following one's dreams has made it a global phenomenon.

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 and introduces key elements of the larger narrative. 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 delves into religious conspiracies and historical mysteries, captivating readers with its fast-paced narrative and controversial claims. Despite mixed critical reception, it became a cultural 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

This Hindi mystery thriller by Ved Prakash Sharma explores themes of corruption and conspiracy within the police force. It's one of the most successful works by an author known for his prolific output.

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 She is a foundational work in the fantasy genre, influencing countless stories about lost civilizations and mystical adventures. Its impact can be seen in popular franchises 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

C.S. Lewis's classic 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. The first in The Chronicles of Narnia series, it remains a beloved work 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

Before The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit introduced readers to Bilbo Baggins and his adventure with a wizard and dwarves to reclaim their treasure from a dragon. This children's book laid the groundwork for Tolkien's expansive Middle-earth universe.

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 social dynamics has 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, And Then There Were None, traps ten strangers on an island where they are systematically killed off. The novel's ingenious plot and psychological tension have made it one of the best-selling mystery novels of all time.

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 adventure, friendship, and wonder has captivated millions, making it 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

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince is a timeless tale of a young prince's journey across planets, exploring themes of love, loss, and the essence of childhood. Its poetic narrative and profound insights have made it a beloved classic 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 set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, exploring themes of sacrifice, love, and social injustice. Its famous opening line and compelling narrative have cemented its place as one of the best-selling novels ever.

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 Don Quixote is a timeless tale of a man driven by chivalric ideals to embark on fantastical adventures. Its blend of humor, pathos, and social commentary has made it the best-selling novel of all time.

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 popular titles. 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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