Top 25 Best-Selling Books Ever

Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is challenging due to various factors such as multiple editions, translations, and inaccurate sales records. These complexities make it difficult to pinpoint exact sales figures. To tackle this, we've focused on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help guides, political tools, and other reference books. Notably, we've also omitted works like The Lord of the Rings due to its original serialization and The Count of Monte Cristo due to its age and lack of reliable sales data.

Did your favorite book make our list? How do you think the quality of these books matches up with their sales numbers? Share your thoughts in the comments. And don't forget to explore the best-selling books of 2024 below for fresh reading options on your 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 Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan who captures the hearts of her foster parents in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, became an instant classic. This beloved 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

Heidi tells the heartwarming 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 and captivates readers worldwide.

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 early resistance from publishers, it 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

This masterpiece of magical realism follows the Buendía family across seven generations in the fictional town of Macondo. Marquez's epic tale weaves a narrative of cyclical prosperity and suffering that captivates readers.

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

Following Judah Ben-Hur's life alongside Jesus, this novel culminates in witnessing the Crucifixion. It's best remembered today for its cinematic adaptation featuring Charlton Heston and its iconic 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 tells the story of an Italian American war bride's passionate affair with a traveling photographer. Its adaptation into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, along with a Tony-winning Broadway musical, has cemented its place in popular culture.

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, captures the essence of teenage angst through the eyes of Holden Caulfield. Despite Salinger's reclusive nature, his work continues to resonate with readers.

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 follows Harry, Hermione, and Ron as they seek to defeat Voldemort. Its release sparked a massive anti-spoiler campaign and intense debates about character 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 sixth book, Harry delves deeper into Voldemort's past, preparing for the ultimate showdown. It sets the stage for the 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 struggle with anger and the expansion of the wizarding world, introducing new characters like Luna 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

Goblet of Fire marks a pivotal shift in the series with the introduction of the Triwizard Tournament and darker themes, solidifying its place as one of the strongest Potter novels.

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 significant leap in narrative maturity, drawing readers deeper into the Potter universe with the introduction of 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

Originally a flop, The Alchemist tells the story of a Spanish shepherd's journey to Egypt in search of treasure. Coelho's persistence paid off, turning the novel into 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 often considered the weakest in the series, Chamber of Secrets expands the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts, setting the stage for the more thrilling adventures to come.

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 pop culture phenomenon, The Da Vinci Code combines short chapters, narrative twists, and controversial claims about Jesus and the Catholic Church, despite mixed critical reception.

10. Vardi Wala Gunda

### Vardi Wala Gunda

5See it at AmazonAuthor: Ved Prakash Sharma

Country: India

Publication Date: 1992

Estimated Sales: 80 million copies

This Hindi mystery thriller about corrupt cops and assassination conspiracies is the most famous work of prolific author Ved Prakash Sharma, who has penned 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

A foundational work in the fantasy genre, She follows explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa. Its influence can be seen in popular media 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 classic children's tale transports four siblings to the magical land of Narnia, ruled by the White Witch and the lion Aslan. It's the first of seven books in 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 introduced readers to Bilbo Baggins and his quest with a wizard and dwarves. It later became integrated 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 the great Chinese novels, Dream of the Red Chamber 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

Agatha Christie's masterpiece, And Then There Were None, is a gripping murder mystery where ten people are trapped on an island, dying one by one according 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 first book in the Harry Potter series introduces readers to the magical world through Harry's eyes, capturing the wonder of his initial foray into wizardry.

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 traveling from his asteroid to other planets offers profound insights into childhood, adulthood, and the human condition.

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, Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities opens with one of the most famous lines in literature and explores themes of class and social upheaval.

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 who believes he is a knight, and his adventures with his squire and lady. Iconic scenes, like his battle with windmills, have become cultural touchstones.

Best Selling Books in 2024

Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is more straightforward, thanks to Amazon's best-selling books list. 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:

• 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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