Top 25 Best-Selling Books Ever

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Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is a challenging task due to various factors such as different editions, translations, and sales tracking issues. Books published centuries ago often have unreliable sales records, and publishers may exaggerate numbers for promotional purposes. Moreover, many books were published in serial form or distributed in bulk, complicating the process further. Given these challenges, we've compiled a list focused solely on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help guides, political tools, and other reference works. This means classics like the Bible and Mao Tse Tung's Little Red Book are omitted, as well as some notable novels like The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo due to their serialization or age-related data issues.

Did your favorite book make our list? 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 recent reads 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

The beloved tale of a spirited orphan girl, Anne Shirley, who comes to live in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, captures the hearts of readers worldwide. Her unexpected arrival and the subsequent bond she forms with her foster parents, who initially expected a boy, turned this into a runaway success. This classic children's story inspired 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 children's novel follows the journey of young Heidi, an orphan raised by her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Her life changes when she befriends Klara, a wealthy girl from Frankfurt who has lost the ability to walk. Their friendship not only enriches Heidi's life but also fosters 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 controversial, Nabokov's Lolita explores the disturbing relationship between an English professor and a 12-year-old girl. Despite initial reluctance from publishers, the novel has 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 masterpiece blends magical realism with the saga of the Buendía family, founders of the fictional town of Macondo. Spanning seven generations, the novel delves into themes of prosperity, suffering, and the cyclical nature of life.

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 during the time of Jesus, Ben-Hur follows the life of Judah Ben-Hur, who witnesses the Crucifixion. While the novel has a compelling narrative, it is perhaps best known today through its iconic film adaptation featuring a memorable 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 poignant romance novel tells the story of an Italian American war bride who embarks on a passionate affair with a traveling photographer. The novel was later adapted into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and a Broadway musical that won two Tony Awards.

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

A quintessential coming-of-age story, The Catcher in the Rye follows Holden Caulfield, an expelled prep student grappling with the "phoniness" of the world. Salinger's only full-length novel, it made Holden a literary icon. Salinger, a reclusive author, passed away in 2010, but his unpublished works may soon be released.

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, Deathly Hallows, sees Harry, Hermione, and Ron on a mission to defeat Lord Voldemort. Its release sparked widespread anti-spoiler campaigns and intense debates about character loyalties. The book was adapted into two films.

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 exposition to Deathly Hallows, Half-Blood Prince focuses on Harry's quest to understand Lord Voldemort, preparing him for the ultimate battle against the dark wizard.

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 received mixed reviews for its slow pacing and Harry's persistent anger. However, it has since been appreciated for its world-building and the introduction of new 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

Considered one of the strongest entries in the series, Goblet of Fire introduces the Triwizard Tournament, marking a shift to a darker narrative with significant plot twists and higher stakes.

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

Marking a significant leap in maturity, Prisoner of Azkaban captivates readers with the introduction of the escaped wizard Sirius Black and deeper insights into Harry's past.

13. The Alchemist (O Alquimista)

### The Alchemist

13See it at AmazonAuthor: Paulo Coelho

Country: Brazil

Publication Date: 1988

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

This inspiring novel follows a Spanish shepherd on a quest for treasure in Egypt. Initially a flop, The Alchemist became a global sensation after Coelho's persistent efforts, embodying the theme of 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 in the series, Chamber of Secrets expands the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts, setting the stage for the 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 copies

A gripping thriller about church conspiracies and the search for the Holy Grail, The Da Vinci Code became a cultural phenomenon despite critical pans, drawing readers into its controversial narrative.

10. Vardi Wala Gunda

### Vardi Wala Gunda

5See it at AmazonAuthor: Ved Prakash Sharma

Country: India

Publication Date: 1992

Estimated Sales: 80 million copies

A gripping mystery thriller written in Hindi, Vardi Wala Gunda delves into themes of corruption and conspiracy within the police force. It remains Sharma's most famous work 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

A pioneering work in fantasy literature, She follows two explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa. Its influence is 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

This timeless children's classic introduces readers to Narnia, a magical world where four children encounter talking animals and battle an evil White Witch. The book led to 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 Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit enchanted readers with the tale of Bilbo Baggins and his adventure with a wizard and dwarves to reclaim their home from a dragon. Later editions integrated it into Tolkien's broader Middle-earth saga.

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 novels, Dream of the Red Chamber portrays 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

Often cited as her best work, Christie's And Then There Were None is a gripping murder mystery where ten people trapped on an island must solve a series of killings tied to a nursery rhyme.

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 Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, capturing the wonder of Harry's first encounter with the wizarding world. Its unique blend of boarding school life and fantasy has captivated readers globally.

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

A timeless tale of a young prince's journey across planets, The Little Prince offers profound insights into the nature of childhood and the human condition, open to various interpretations, including allegories of 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

Set during the French Revolution, A Tale of Two Cities opens with its famous line, reflecting the era's contrasts. Dickens' narrative explores themes of class struggle and social injustice.

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 yet endearing Don Quixote, who sets out on a quest inspired by chivalric tales. Iconic scenes, like his 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, thanks to platforms like Amazon. Their list reflects a significant portion of online book sales, featuring a mix of New York Times bestsellers and other notable releases. Here are the top 10 books of 2024 according to Amazon: