Top 25 Best-Selling Books Ever

Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is no easy feat. The challenge lies in the fact that books, particularly those from centuries past, have been published in various editions, translated into multiple languages, and sometimes abridged or expanded into definitive versions. Some were initially released as serials before being compiled into larger volumes, while others were bought in bulk for free distribution. Add to this the issue of inaccurate record-keeping and publishers who may inflate sales figures for promotional purposes, and the task becomes even more daunting. Despite these challenges, we've compiled a list with a focus on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help guides, political tools, and other reference materials.

Curious if your favorite book made the cut? How do you think the quality of these books aligns with their sales figures? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And don't forget to explore the best-selling books of 2024 for some contemporary picks to enjoy 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

This classic children's story follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan girl who comes to live in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. Despite her foster parents initially expecting a boy, they grow to cherish Anne, leading to her enduring popularity and the creation of 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

Heidi, a beloved children's novel, tells the story of a young girl 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 personal growth.

23. Lolita

### Lolita

9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1955

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Initially controversial, Nabokov's most famous work explores the disturbing relationship between an English professor and a 12-year-old girl. Despite early reluctance from publishers, it has since inspired 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 saga of the Buendía family, founders of the fictional town of Macondo. Spanning seven generations, this novel is steeped in magical realism, weaving a tale of prosperity and tragedy that feels both cyclical and karmic.

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 in the time of Jesus, this novel follows Judah Ben-Hur, who meets Jesus and witnesses his Crucifixion. Its cultural impact is most notable through the iconic movie adaptation featuring Charlton Heston, particularly remembered 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 romance novel captures the passionate affair between an Italian American war bride and a traveling photographer. Adapted into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and later a Broadway musical, it has resonated with audiences across different mediums.

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

This iconic coming-of-age story follows Holden Caulfield, an expelled prep student grappling with the "phoniness" of the world. Salinger's only full-length novel has left a lasting legacy, with hints of more unpublished works to come.

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 in the Harry Potter series sees Harry, Hermione, and Ron on a mission to defeat Lord Voldemort. Its release was marked by an intense anti-spoiler campaign, and the story was split into two films for the cinematic adaptation.

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 Lord Voldemort's past, arming himself with knowledge to combat the dark wizard. It sets the stage for the series' dramatic conclusion 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 book in the series, Order of the Phoenix focuses on Harry's anger and the expansion of his world to include new allies like Luna, Ginny, and Neville. It serves as crucial world-building and sets up 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

Often considered one of the strongest entries in the series, Goblet of Fire introduces the Triwizard Tournament and marks a shift toward darker themes, culminating in a shocking twist that changes the course of the narrative.

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 represents a leap in maturity for Rowling's prose and solidified many readers' devotion to the series. It introduces new challenges for Harry, including the mysterious escaped wizard, Sirius Black.

13. The Alchemist (O Alquimista)

### The Alchemist

13See it at AmazonAuthor: Paulo Coelho

Country: Brazil

Publication Date: 1988

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

This tale of a Spanish shepherd's journey to Egypt in search of treasure initially struggled to find a publisher. Coelho's perseverance paid off, and the book has since become a testament to following one's dreams. 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 sometimes considered the weakest link in the series, Chamber of Secrets expands the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts and sets the stage for the more thrilling adventures that follow.

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 copies

A gripping tale of church conspiracies and historical mysteries, The Da Vinci Code became a cultural phenomenon despite mixed reviews from critics. Its controversial claims about Jesus sparked widespread interest and debate.

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 delves into the world of corrupt cops and assassination plots. It stands as the most famous work of Ved Prakash Sharma, who has authored 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

This pivotal work in the fantasy genre follows two explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa. Its influence can be seen in popular media like 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

This classic children's tale transports four siblings to the magical land of Narnia, ruled by the White Witch and Aslan, the true king. It's the first of seven books in The Chronicles of Narnia series, beloved by fantasy readers.

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. This children's book laid the groundwork for Tolkien's expansive Middle-earth universe.

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

One of the great Chinese novels from the pre-Modern era, this work captures the rise and fall of a noble family during the Qing Dynasty. It's renowned for its detailed 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

Christie's masterpiece, considered one of her finest works, is a gripping murder mystery set on an isolated island. As guests die one by one, the survivors race to uncover the killer before it's too late.

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 through Harry's eyes. Its blend of wonder and adventure has captured the imaginations of readers worldwide, inspiring 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

This timeless tale of a young prince's journey across planets is both whimsical and profound. Interpreted in various ways, it speaks to the essence of childhood and the limitations of adult perspectives.

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 opens with one of the most famous lines in literature. It explores themes of class struggle and human resilience, cementing Dickens' reputation as a master storyteller.

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 Don Quixote, a man obsessed with chivalric tales, and his misadventures with his squire, Sancho Panza. Its iconic scenes, like the battle with windmills, have left an indelible mark on literature.

Best Selling Books in 2024

Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is simpler, thanks to Amazon's comprehensive sales data. This list reflects a significant portion of online book sales and includes a mix of New York Times bestsellers and other notable works. Here are the top 10 books of 2024 according to Amazon's list:

• 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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