Top 25 Best-Selling Books Ever

Compiling a list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is no easy feat. The challenge arises from the fact that books, particularly those from centuries ago, were often released in various editions, translated into multiple languages, and sometimes published as serials before being compiled into larger volumes. Additionally, some books were distributed in abridged or definitive editions, and sales figures were often inflated for promotional purposes. With these complexities and the lack of precise record-keeping, creating an indisputable list is nearly impossible. Nonetheless, we've crafted a list with specific criteria:

Our focus is solely on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help guides, political literature, and other reference materials. This means classics like the Bible and Mao Tse Tung's Little Red Book, which would otherwise rank highly, are not included. We've also omitted books like *The Lord of the Rings* and *The Count of Monte Cristo* due to their complex publication histories and challenges in obtaining reliable sales data.

Did your favorite book make our list? 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 our list of 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 beloved story of Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan girl who finds a home in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, Canada, has captured hearts worldwide. Her endearing relationship with her foster parents, who initially expected a boy, turned this children's classic into a runaway success. This led L.M. Montgomery to write 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

Johanna Spyri's timeless tale of Heidi, a young orphan girl raised by her grandfather in the Swiss Alps, has enchanted readers for generations. Her friendship with Klara, a wealthy girl from Frankfurt who has lost the ability to walk, showcases themes of friendship and resilience that resonate deeply with audiences.

23. Lolita

### Lolita

9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1955

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Vladimir Nabokov's controversial masterpiece, Lolita, initially met with reluctance from publishers due to its provocative subject matter. The novel, which follows an English professor's obsessive infatuation 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

Gabriel García Márquez's magnum opus, One Hundred Years of Solitude, is a sweeping tale of the Buendía family and their founding of the fictional town of Macondo. This dark, dramatic narrative, rich with magical realism, follows the family through seven generations, capturing the cyclical nature 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

Lew Wallace's Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ weaves a compelling narrative around Judah Ben-Hur, who lives during the time of Jesus. This novel, which has been immortalized in popular culture through its iconic film adaptation featuring Charlton Heston, offers a unique perspective on the life and times of Jesus Christ.

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

Robert James Waller's The Bridges of Madison County tells the poignant story of an Italian American war bride's passionate affair with a traveling photographer. The novel's emotional depth and romantic narrative were brought to life in a 1995 film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and later 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

J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye is a seminal coming-of-age story that has resonated with generations of readers. The tale of Holden Caulfield, an expelled prep school student grappling with the complexities of adolescence and the "phoniness" of the adult world, remains a cultural touchstone.

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 epic conclusion to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, sees Harry, Hermione, and Ron on a perilous mission to defeat Lord Voldemort. The book's launch was accompanied by a global anti-spoiler campaign, and its narrative was split into two films, heightening the saga's impact.

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 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, J.K. Rowling sets the stage for the series' climactic conclusion. Harry learns crucial information about Lord Voldemort, preparing himself for the final battle against the dark wizard. This book serves as the narrative setup for 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

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the longest book in the series, explores Harry's anger and the deepening conflict with Voldemort. Initially considered the weakest link, it has since gained appreciation for its extensive world-building and the expansion of Harry's circle to include characters 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

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire marks a turning point in the series, introducing the Triwizard Tournament and darker themes. This novel's unexpected twists and high stakes solidify its place as one of the strongest entries in J.K. Rowling's beloved series.

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

With Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, J.K. Rowling's writing matures, marking a pivotal moment where many readers became dedicated fans. Harry faces new challenges, including a dangerous escaped wizard who holds secrets about 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

Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist tells the inspiring story of a Spanish shepherd's journey to Egypt in search of treasure. Initially a commercial failure, the novel's enduring message of following one's personal legend has resonated with millions worldwide, leading to its status as 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 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets may be considered the weakest of the series, it expands the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts and introduces key elements about the school's history. It sets the stage for the thrilling adventures that follow in subsequent books.

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 The Da Vinci Code captivated readers with its fast-paced narrative and controversial claims about Jesus's lineage and hidden truths within the Catholic Church. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the book 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

Ved Prakash Sharma's Vardi Wala Gunda, a Hindi mystery thriller about corrupt cops and assassination conspiracies, showcases the author's prolific talent. This novel stands out as one of his most famous and successful works among his 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

H. Rider Haggard's She: A History of Adventure is a foundational work in the fantasy genre, inspiring countless stories about lost civilizations and mystical adventures. Its influence can be seen in popular media, including the Indiana Jones and Tarzan franchises.

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 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe introduces readers to the enchanting world of Narnia, where four children embark on a magical journey. This timeless children's classic, the first in The Chronicles of Narnia series, has captivated readers with its themes of good versus evil.

7. The Hobbit

### The Hobbit

13See it at AmazonAuthor: J.R.R. Tolkien

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1937

Estimated Sales: 100 million copies

J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit introduces readers to Bilbo Baggins and his adventure with a wizard and thirteen dwarves to reclaim their ancestral home. Originally a standalone children's book, it later became integral to the expansive world of Middle-earth.

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

Dream of the Red Chamber, penned by Cao Xueqin during the Qing Dynasty, is revered as one of China's greatest novels. It offers a detailed portrayal of a noble family's rise and fall, renowned for its nuanced depiction 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 And Then There Were None is hailed as one of her finest works. This gripping murder mystery traps ten people on an island, where they are picked off one by one according to a chilling nursery rhyme, as they race to uncover the killer's identity.

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 magical world of Harry Potter begins with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, where readers first experience the wonder of Hogwarts and the wizarding world. This book captures the essence of childhood wonder and has left an indelible mark on popular culture.

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 poetic and profound tale about a young prince who travels across planets, exploring themes of love, loss, and the essence of childhood. Its universal message continues 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

Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities opens with one of literature's most famous lines, setting the stage for a gripping tale of love and sacrifice during the French Revolution. This historical novel delves into themes of class struggle and human resilience.

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 classic that follows the adventures of a man who becomes so enamored with tales of chivalry that he sets out as a knight-errant. The novel's iconic scenes, like the 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 than compiling an all-time list. We can look at Amazon's best-selling books list for the year, which reflects a significant portion of online book sales. Here are the top 10 books of 2024 according to Amazon: