Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is no easy feat. The complexities arise from books being published in various editions, translated into numerous languages, and sometimes released as serials before being compiled into larger volumes. Moreover, some books have been abridged or expanded, and sales records can be inaccurate or inflated for promotional purposes. These variables make it challenging to compile a precise list. However, we have crafted a list with a focus on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help guides, political tools, and other reference texts. We've also omitted certain classics like The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo due to their unique publication histories and challenges in verifying sales data.
Curious if your favorite book made the cut? Do you think the quality of these books aligns with their sales figures? Share your thoughts in the comments. And don't forget to explore our list of the best-selling books of 2024 for some fresh 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 enchanting tale of a spirited orphan girl who finds a home in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, Canada, has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Anne Shirley's journey with her foster parents, who initially expected a boy but grow to cherish her, led to a series 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
This beloved children's novel follows the life of 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, forms the heart of the story, showcasing their mutual growth and support.
23. Lolita
### Lolita
9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov
Country: United States
Publication Date: 1955
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
Initially met with hesitation from publishers due to its controversial subject matter, Nabokov's novel about an English professor's obsessive infatuation with a 12-year-old girl has become a cultural phenomenon. Adapted into various forms, including a play, an opera, and two films, it remains a provocative work.
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 rich tapestry of magical realism, following the Buendía family across seven generations as they establish and endure in the fictional town of Macondo. This epic tale explores themes of cyclicality and karma.
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
This novel's central narrative follows Judah Ben-Hur, who lives during the time of Jesus and witnesses his Crucifixion. It is best remembered today through its iconic film adaptation featuring a thrilling chariot race, which remains a cinematic classic.
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
A poignant romance about an Italian American war bride's passionate affair with a traveling photographer, this novel was later adapted into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. It also inspired a Broadway musical, which received critical acclaim.
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 centered on Holden Caulfield, an expelled prep student grappling with the world's "phoniness." Salinger's reclusive nature only added to the book's mystique, with his unpublished works potentially surfacing posthumously.
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 sees Harry, Hermione, and Ron on a perilous quest to defeat Lord Voldemort. The book's release was a global event, marked by an intense anti-spoiler campaign and fervent debates about characters' loyalties.
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 installment, Harry delves into the life and secrets of Lord Voldemort, preparing himself for the ultimate showdown. This book sets the stage for the final battle, complementing Deathly Hallows as its narrative counterpart.
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 initially faced criticism for its slow pace and Harry's persistent anger. However, it has since been appreciated for its world-building and the expansion of Harry's circle of friends.
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
Considered one of the strongest entries in the series, Goblet of Fire introduces the Triwizard Tournament and a pivotal twist that shifts the narrative towards darker themes, marking a significant turning point 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
This book marks a leap in narrative maturity, captivating readers with its darker themes and the introduction of new challenges for Harry, including an escaped wizard with ties to his parents' past.
13. The Alchemist (O Alquimista)
### The Alchemist
13See it at AmazonAuthor: Paulo Coelho
Country: Brazil
Publication Date: 1988
Estimated Sales: 65 million copies
Coelho's tale of a Spanish shepherd's quest for treasure in Egypt initially struggled to find a publisher. However, its eventual success underscores Coelho's belief in fate and perseverance. 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
Though often considered the weakest of the series, Chamber of Secrets expands the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts, setting the stage for the deeper exploration that follows in Prisoner of Azkaban.
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 cultural phenomenon, The Da Vinci Code blends short chapters, narrative twists, and controversial religious theories to captivate readers. Despite mixed reviews from critics, it achieved immense 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
Written in Hindi, this mystery thriller delves into the world of corrupt cops and assassination plots. It is one of over 170 novels by the prolific author Ved Prakash Sharma.
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 seminal work in the fantasy genre, She follows explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa. Its influence can be seen in various 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
This classic tale transports four children to the magical land of Narnia, where they confront the evil White Witch and meet the majestic lion Aslan. It sparked a beloved series, The Chronicles of Narnia, essential reading for fantasy enthusiasts.
7. The Hobbit
### The Hobbit
13See it at AmazonAuthor: J.R.R. Tolkien
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1937
Estimated Sales: 100 million copies
Originally a standalone children's book, The Hobbit introduces Bilbo Baggins and his quest with a wizard and dwarves to reclaim their treasure from a dragon. It later became integral to 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
One of China's greatest novels, Dream of the Red Chamber intricately depicts the rise and fall of a noble family during the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its nuanced 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 masterful murder mystery, set on an isolated island, sees ten strangers trapped as they are killed off one by one, following a chilling nursery rhyme. It remains one of her most celebrated works.
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 journey begins with Harry's introduction to the wizarding world, capturing the wonder and excitement of his first experiences. This book laid the foundation for a series that has captivated readers worldwide.
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 a whimsical children's story and a profound commentary on the human condition, often interpreted as an allegory for war and spirituality.
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
Dickens' iconic novel, set during the French Revolution, opens with its famous lines about the best and worst of times. It explores themes of class struggle, poverty, and the excesses of the wealthy.
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 deluded by chivalric tales into believing he is a knight. His misadventures, including the iconic battle with windmills, have made this novel a cornerstone of world literature.
Best Selling Books in 2024
Identifying the best-selling books of the current year is more straightforward. Amazon's best-selling books list for 2024 provides a comprehensive look at the year's top titles, including a mix of New York Times bestsellers and other notable releases. While this list doesn't cover all book sales, it represents a significant portion of online sales. 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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