Top 25 Best-Selling Books Ever

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Creating a list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is no easy feat. The challenge lies in the myriad of variables: books published centuries ago have different editions, translations, and sometimes even abridged or expanded versions. Serial publications and bulk purchases for free distribution add further complexity. Coupled with inconsistent record-keeping and publishers who might inflate sales figures for promotional purposes, it becomes nearly impossible to compile an indisputable list. Despite these hurdles, we've crafted a compilation with a focus on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help books, political works, and reference materials. Notably, we've also omitted certain key titles like The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo due to their serialization or age-related data challenges.

Curious if your favorite book made our list? How do you think the quality stacks up against the quantity sold? Share your thoughts in the comments. And don't forget to explore the best-selling books of 2024 below for your next read 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

The heartwarming story of Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan who arrives in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, and captures the hearts of her foster parents, who had initially hoped for a boy. This beloved children's classic led to seven sequels, and even 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 timeless children's novel follows young Heidi, an orphan 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, highlighting 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 shunned by publishers, Nabokov's controversial masterpiece about an English professor's obsessive relationship with a 12-year-old girl 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

Marquez's magnum opus weaves a tapestry of magical realism, chronicling the Buendía family's saga across seven generations in the fictional town of Macondo. This epic tale explores cycles of prosperity and suffering, embodying the essence 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

Set against the backdrop of Jesus's life, this novel follows Judah Ben-Hur, who encounters Christ and witnesses his Crucifixion. Best known today through its iconic film adaptation featuring Charlton Heston, it includes the memorable chariot race that remains a cinematic highlight.

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 an Italian American war bride's passionate affair with a traveling photographer during her family's absence at the State Fair. Adapted into a romantic drama starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, it also inspired a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.

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 iconic coming-of-age novel centers on Holden Caulfield, an expelled prep school student grappling with the complexities of adolescence and the "phoniness" of the world. Despite being Salinger's only full-length novel, its impact has endured, with potential posthumous works awaiting publication.

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, this book sees Harry, Hermione, and Ron on a perilous quest to defeat Lord Voldemort. Its release sparked global excitement and intense debates over character loyalties, culminating in two film adaptations.

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

Serving as the setup for the series finale, this book delves deep into the lore surrounding Lord Voldemort, equipping Harry with crucial knowledge for their ultimate confrontation. It masterfully balances exposition with the escalating stakes of the wizarding war.

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 installment in the series, initially critiqued for its slow start and Harry's pervasive anger, has since been appreciated for its rich world-building and character development. It expands the trio's circle, introducing key allies 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

This pivotal novel expands the wizarding world through the Triwizard Tournament, introducing darker themes and a significant plot twist. It marks a turning point, shifting from the lighter tone of earlier books to the heightened stakes and intensity of the series' latter half.

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 narrative maturity, captivating readers and transforming them into dedicated fans. Harry's third year brings new challenges, including the mysterious escaped wizard Sirius Black, who holds secrets about Harry's 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

Originally a commercial disappointment, this tale of a Spanish shepherd's journey to Egypt in search of treasure became a global phenomenon through Coelho's relentless pursuit of publication. Today, it's celebrated as a testament to following one's 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

While often considered the weakest link in the series, this sequel to the beloved first book expands the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts, delving into the school's history and its founders. 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

A gripping thriller that became a cultural phenomenon, The Da Vinci Code blends short chapters, relentless pacing, and shocking revelations about Jesus's lineage and church conspiracies. Despite mixed critical reception, its commercial success was undeniable.

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 corruption within the police force and assassination plots. As Sharma's most famous work among his over 170 novels, it has captivated readers with its gripping narrative.

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 work in the fantasy genre, this novel follows explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa. Its influence is evident in subsequent works like the Indiana Jones and Tarzan franchises, which owe much to its themes of mysticism and adventure.

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

A cornerstone of children's literature, this enchanting tale transports four children to the magical world of Narnia, ruled by the evil White Witch and the majestic lion Aslan. 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 epic Lord of the Rings, Tolkien penned this children's tale about Bilbo Baggins and his adventure with a wizard and thirteen dwarves to reclaim their home from a dragon. Later integrated into the broader Middle-earth lore, it remains a beloved classic.

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

Considered one of China's greatest pre-modern novels, this work from the Qing Dynasty chronicles the rise and fall of a noble family, renowned for its nuanced portrayal of female characters and deep social commentary.

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, considered her finest work, traps ten strangers on an island where they are picked off one by one according to a nursery rhyme. As the survivors race to unmask the killer, tension mounts in this gripping mystery.

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 enchanting introduction to Harry Potter's world captures the wonder of a boy discovering magic. While it shares elements with previous boarding school and wizard narratives, Rowling's creation has uniquely captured the global imagination.

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 profound and whimsical tale of a young prince traveling from his asteroid to other planets has been interpreted as a meditation on childhood, adulthood, and even war. Its universal themes continue to resonate with readers of all ages.

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

Opening with the famous line, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," this historical novel set during the French Revolution explores themes of class struggle and human resilience, showcasing Dickens's signature social critique.

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 epic tragicomedy follows the delusional knight Don Quixote and his loyal squire Sancho Panza on their misadventures, culminating in the iconic battle with windmills. Cervantes's work remains a cornerstone of world literature, celebrated for its humor and depth.

Best Selling Books in 2024

Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is more straightforward, thanks to real-time data from platforms like Amazon. Their list reflects a significant portion of online book sales, encompassing New York Times bestsellers and fresh releases across various genres. Here are the top 10 books of 2024 according to Amazon: