Top 25 Best-Selling Books Ever

Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is challenging due to the complexities of book sales data. Books published centuries ago may have multiple editions, translations, and varying forms like serials or abridged versions, making accurate sales figures hard to pinpoint. Moreover, some publishers may inflate sales numbers for promotional purposes, adding to the difficulty of creating a reliable list. To address this, we've focused solely on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help books, and other non-fiction works. We've also left out certain classics like The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo due to serialization and age-related record-keeping issues.

Did your favorite book make the list? How do you think the quality compares to the sales figures? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Also, don't miss out on the best-selling books of 2024 listed at the end, perfect for 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 story of Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan who comes to live in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, has captured hearts worldwide. Her evolving relationship with her foster parents, who initially expected a boy, turned this children's classic into a beloved series, inspiring seven sequels and 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 beloved children's novel follows the life of Heidi, an orphaned girl raised by her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Her friendship with Klara, a wealthy girl from Frankfurt who has lost her ability to walk, enriches both their lives, showcasing 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 controversial, Nabokov's Lolita explores the disturbing relationship between an English professor and a 12-year-old girl. Its impact on literature and culture is undeniable, having inspired adaptations into a play, an opera, and two films, one of which was 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 masterpiece weaves the story of the Buendía family across seven generations in the fictional town of Macondo. This epic tale, rich with magical realism, explores themes of cyclical history and the human condition.

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 novel follows Judah Ben-Hur, a man living during the time of Jesus, whose life intersects with the Messiah. While best remembered today for its cinematic adaptation featuring an iconic chariot race, the book itself remains a powerful narrative of faith and redemption.

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 Francesca, an Italian-American war bride, and her brief but intense affair with a traveling photographer. The story was later adapted into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and 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 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 complexities of adolescence and the world around him.

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 of the Harry Potter series sees Harry, Hermione, and Ron on a mission to defeat Lord Voldemort. Its release was a global event, marked by anti-spoiler campaigns and intense fan speculation about the characters' fates.

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 the mysteries surrounding Lord Voldemort, setting the stage for the series' climax. The narrative balances exposition with action, preparing readers for the ultimate showdown.

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 expands the world of Harry Potter, introducing new characters and deepening the narrative. Despite initial criticism, it has been appreciated for its extensive world-building and character development.

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 book marks a turning point in the series, introducing the Triwizard Tournament and escalating the stakes with darker themes. It's widely regarded as one of the strongest entries, featuring memorable twists and a shift towards more mature storytelling.

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 storytelling maturity, Prisoner of Azkaban captivated readers with its introduction of Sirius Black and deeper exploration of Harry's past, solidifying fans' devotion to the series.

13. The Alchemist (O Alquimista)

### The Alchemist

13See it at AmazonAuthor: Paulo Coelho

Country: Brazil

Publication Date: 1988

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist follows a shepherd's journey to Egypt in search of treasure, symbolizing the pursuit of one's destiny. Initially a commercial flop, the book's success is a testament to Coelho's perseverance and belief in his work.

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

Although often considered the weakest in the series, Chamber of Secrets expands the wizarding world and sets up key plot elements for future books, keeping readers engaged and eager for more.

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

Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code became a global phenomenon with its fast-paced narrative and controversial claims about Christianity. Despite mixed critical reception, it captured the public's imagination and became a commercial juggernaut.

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 by Ved Prakash Sharma explores themes of corruption and conspiracy within the police force. It's a standout in Sharma's prolific career, having written 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

H. Rider Haggard's She is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, influencing countless works with its tale of lost civilizations and mystical adventures. Its impact is seen in popular franchises like Indiana Jones and Tarzan.

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 iconic children's book introduces readers to Narnia, a magical world ruled by the White Witch and awaiting the return of the lion Aslan. It's the first in the beloved Chronicles of Narnia series, a staple of fantasy literature.

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 the world of Middle-earth. Initially a standalone story, it became the precursor to The Lord of the Rings, captivating readers with its adventurous spirit and rich storytelling.

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 chronicles the rise and fall of a noble family during the Qing Dynasty. Its nuanced portrayal of female characters and intricate storytelling make it a timeless classic.

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 masterful mystery traps ten people on an island, where they are picked off one by one according to a nursery rhyme. Widely regarded as one of her finest works, it keeps readers guessing until the very end.

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 of Hogwarts and the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Its blend of wonder, humor, and adventure 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

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince is a timeless tale of love, loss, and the human condition. Its poetic narrative and profound insights have resonated with readers of all ages, making it a beloved classic.

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' A Tale of Two Cities is a gripping historical novel set during the French Revolution. Its famous opening lines and exploration of class struggle and human resilience have cemented its place in literary history.

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' Don Quixote is a seminal work of literature, blending humor and tragedy in the tale of a man who loses himself in chivalric fantasies. Its iconic scenes, like the battle with the windmills, have become cultural touchstones.

Best Selling Books in 2024

Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is more straightforward, thanks to real-time sales data from platforms like Amazon. Here are the top 10 best-selling 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 Energy - Casey Means M.D

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