The 25 Best-Selling Books Of All Time

This article compiles a list of the 25 best-selling literary fiction books of all time, acknowledging the inherent challenges in definitively ranking books due to varying editions, translations, and historical record-keeping inaccuracies. Certain criteria were applied to narrow the scope: only literary fiction is included, excluding religious texts, self-help, and political works. Some well-known titles were omitted due to difficulties in accurately quantifying their sales.

The list presents estimated sales figures for each title, understanding these are approximations. The selection aims to provide a representative overview of widely-read and influential works. Reader feedback is encouraged regarding personal favorites and the correlation between sales and perceived quality. A separate section highlights Amazon's top 10 best-selling books of 2024 for a contemporary perspective.

25. Anne of Green Gables

Author: L.M. Montgomery

Country: Canada

Publication Date: 1908

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

This classic children's story follows the adventures of a spirited orphan girl in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. Its enduring appeal led to numerous sequels.

24. Heidi

Author: Johanna Spyri

Country: Switzerland

Publication Date: 1880-1881

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

A children's novel about an orphan girl raised in the Swiss Alps, exploring themes of friendship and personal growth.

23. Lolita

Author: Vladimir Nabokov

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1955

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Nabokov's controversial novel, initially met with publishing hesitancy, explores the complex and disturbing relationship between a professor and a young girl. It has since been adapted into various media.

22. One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad)

Author: Gabriel García Márquez

Country: Colombia

Publication Date: 1967

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Márquez's masterpiece employs magical realism to chronicle the multi-generational saga of the Buendía family and the fictional town of Macondo.

21. Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

Author: Lew Wallace

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1880

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

This historical novel follows Judah Ben-Hur's life during the time of Jesus, culminating in a famous cinematic adaptation.

20. The Bridges of Madison County

Author: Robert James Waller

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1992

Estimated Sales: 60 million copies

A romance novel depicting a passionate affair between a war bride and a traveling photographer, adapted into a successful film and stage musical.

19. The Catcher in the Rye

Author: J.D. Salinger

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1951

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

Salinger's only novel, featuring the iconic and controversial character Holden Caulfield, remains a seminal coming-of-age story.

18. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Author: J.K. Rowling

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 2007

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

The climactic installment in the Harry Potter series, concluding the epic battle against Lord Voldemort.

17. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Author: J.K. Rowling

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 2005

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

The penultimate Harry Potter novel, setting the stage for the final confrontation.

16. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Author: J.K. Rowling

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 2003

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

The longest Harry Potter novel, expanding the world and characters significantly.

15. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Author: J.K. Rowling

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 2000

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

Often considered the strongest of the series, introducing the Triwizard Tournament and raising the stakes considerably.

14. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Author: J.K. Rowling

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1999

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

A significant step up in maturity and plot complexity, introducing new challenges for Harry.

13. The Alchemist (O Alquimista)

Author: Paulo Coelho

Country: Brazil

Publication Date: 1988

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

This allegorical novel follows a shepherd's journey to Egypt in search of treasure, exploring themes of fate and personal fulfillment.

12. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Author: J.K. Rowling

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1998

Estimated Sales: 77 million copies

The second Harry Potter novel, expanding the world beyond Hogwarts.

11. The Da Vinci Code

Author: Dan Brown

Country: United States

Publication Date: 2003

Estimated Sales: 80 million copies

A controversial and commercially successful thriller involving religious conspiracies and historical mysteries.

10. Vardi Wala Gunda

Author: Ved Prakash Sharma

Country: India

Publication Date: 1992

Estimated Sales: 80 million copies

A Hindi-language mystery thriller about corrupt police officers and assassination plots.

9. She: A History of Adventure

Author: H. Rider Haggard

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1886

Estimated Sales: 83 million copies

A pioneering work of fantasy literature, depicting explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa.

8. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Author: C.S. Lewis

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1950

Estimated Sales: 85 million copies

A classic of children's literature, introducing the magical world of Narnia and its iconic characters.

7. The Hobbit

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1937

Estimated Sales: 100 million copies

Tolkien's prequel to The Lord of the Rings, introducing Bilbo Baggins and his adventures with dwarves and a dragon.

6. Dream of the Red Chamber

Author: Cao Xueqin

Country: China

Publication Date: 1791

Estimated Sales: 100 million copies

A renowned classic of Chinese literature, depicting the rise and fall of a noble family.

5. And Then There Were None

Author: Agatha Christie

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1939

Estimated Sales: 100 million copies

A suspenseful murder mystery trapping ten individuals on an island, leading to a deadly game of deduction.

4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Author: J.K. Rowling

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1997

Estimated Sales: 120 million copies

The inaugural Harry Potter novel, captivating readers with its magical world and endearing characters.

3. The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince)

Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Country: France

Publication Date: 1943

Estimated Sales: 140 million copies

A timeless and evocative tale exploring themes of childhood, adulthood, and the human condition.

2. A Tale of Two Cities

Author: Charles Dickens

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1859

Estimated Sales: 200 million copies

Dickens' historical fiction masterpiece set during the French Revolution, exploring themes of social inequality and revolution.

1. Don Quixote

Author: Miguel de Cervantes

Country: Spain

Publication Date: 1605 (Part One), 1615 (Part Two)

Estimated Sales: 500 million copies

A seminal work of literature, this epic tragicomedy follows the adventures of a delusional knight errant.

Best Selling Books in 2024 (Amazon's Top 10):

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.