The 25 Best-Selling Books Of All Time

Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is a complex task due to various factors. Books published centuries ago often had multiple editions, translations, and abridged or expanded versions. Some were initially released as serials and later compiled into volumes, while others were bought in bulk and distributed for free. These inconsistencies, combined with potentially inaccurate record-keeping and exaggerated sales figures from publishers, make it challenging to pinpoint exact sales numbers. Despite these hurdles, we've compiled a list focusing solely on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help guides, political works, and reference materials. This means classics like the Bible and Mao Tse Tung's Little Red Book are omitted, as are significant 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 feel the quality of these bestsellers compares to their sales figures? Share your thoughts in the comments. And don't forget to check out the best-selling books of 2024 below for some contemporary reading options.

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 story of Anne, a spirited orphan girl who arrives at Green Gables in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, captures the essence of childhood and the power of love. Originally expecting a boy, her foster parents soon grow to cherish her, 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

This beloved children's novel follows Heidi, an orphaned girl raised by her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Her friendship with Klara, a wealthy but disabled girl from Frankfurt, highlights themes of resilience and companionship, making it a timeless classic.

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 delves into the disturbing obsession of an English professor with a young girl. Its impact is evident in its adaptations into a play, 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 weaves a tapestry of magical realism through the multi-generational saga of the Buendía family in Macondo. This epic tale explores the cyclical nature of life and the impact of history on a family and a town.

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 intertwines with the life of Christ. While the novel is less known today, its film adaptation, featuring a memorable chariot race, remains iconic.

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 a passionate affair between an Italian American war bride and a traveling photographer. Its cinematic adaptation, starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and a successful Broadway musical, have kept its legacy alive.

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 seminal coming-of-age story featuring Holden Caulfield, whose disdain for the "phony" world resonates with readers. Salinger's reclusive nature added to the mystique surrounding his work, and the potential release of his unpublished writings adds intrigue to his legacy.

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 fervent debates about characters like Snape.

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 into Voldemort's past to prepare for the final confrontation. Half-Blood Prince sets the stage for the climactic events of Deathly Hallows, blending exposition with intense narrative 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, explores Harry's growing frustration and the expansion of the wizarding world. It introduces key characters and sets up the escalating conflict leading to the series' climax.

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 book marks a significant shift in the series with the Triwizard Tournament and the return of Voldemort. Its darker tone and unexpected plot twists make it a standout in the saga.

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 turning point in the series, Prisoner of Azkaban introduces time travel and deepens the backstory of Harry's parents. Its mature prose and compelling plot cemented the series' popularity.

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 shepherd's journey to Egypt in search of treasure is a testament to perseverance and the pursuit of one's destiny. Initially a commercial failure, it eventually became a global phenomenon, reflecting Coelho's belief in fate.

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 and sets up crucial plot points for future books. It keeps readers engaged and eager for more 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

Dan Brown's thriller, with its short chapters and gripping narrative, became a cultural phenomenon. Despite critical pans, its exploration of church conspiracies and the Holy Grail captivated readers worldwide.

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 about corrupt cops and assassination conspiracies is one of the most successful works of Ved Prakash Sharma, an author known for his extensive body of work.

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 foundational text in the fantasy genre, She follows explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa. Its influence is seen in works like Indiana Jones and Tarzan, showcasing its enduring impact.

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

The first book in The Chronicles of Narnia series, it introduces readers to a magical world through a wardrobe. Its themes of good versus evil and redemption have made it a staple in 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 the world of Middle-earth. Its integration into Tolkien's larger universe and subsequent editions enriched its narrative.

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

This classic Chinese novel from the Qing Dynasty offers a detailed portrayal of a noble family's rise and fall. Its nuanced depiction of female characters and social dynamics makes it a literary gem.

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 masterpiece of suspense, where ten people are trapped on an island with a murderer among them, showcases her skill in crafting intricate plots and unforgettable characters.

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 book that started it all, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, introduces readers to the magical world of Hogwarts. Its blend of adventure, friendship, and wonder has captivated millions.

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 young prince's journey across planets offers profound insights into human nature and the essence of childhood. Its allegorical nature invites multiple interpretations, enriching its appeal.

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, Dickens' novel explores themes of class struggle and sacrifice. Its famous opening lines and compelling narrative have cemented its place in literary history.

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 tale of a delusional knight and his squire has become a cornerstone of Western literature. Its humor, satire, and iconic scenes, like the battle with windmills, have made it a timeless classic.

Best Selling Books in 2024

Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is more straightforward, thanks to data from platforms like Amazon. While this list doesn't cover all book sales, it provides a significant snapshot of current trends. Here are the top 10 best-selling books of 2024 according to Amazon: