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Top 25 All-Time Best-Selling Books Revealed

by Nathan May 07,2025

Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is a challenging task. The complexities arise from the fact that books, especially those published centuries ago, have been released in various editions, translated into multiple languages, and sometimes abridged or expanded. Some were initially serialized and later compiled into larger volumes, while others were bought in bulk and distributed for free. Additionally, the lack of accurate record-keeping and the tendency of publishers to inflate sales figures for promotional purposes further complicate the process. Given these variables, it's nearly impossible to establish exact sales numbers with the precision needed for an indisputable list. However, we've crafted a list with a focus on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help guides, political tools, and other reference materials. This means classics like the Bible and Mao Tse Tung's Little Red Book are not included, nor are some notable works like *The Lord of the Rings* and *The Count of Monte Cristo* due to their serialization and age-related data challenges.

Did your favorite book make the cut? How 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 the latest must-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 heartwarming tale of Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan who finds a home with the Cuthberts in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, has captivated readers since its publication. The endearing relationship between Anne and her foster parents, who initially expected a boy, led to the book's immense success and inspired L.M. Montgomery to write 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

Johanna Spyri's beloved children's novel follows the journey of Heidi, an orphaned girl who is 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, 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, Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita explores the disturbing obsession of an English professor with a 12-year-old girl. Despite initial reluctance from publishers, the novel has since 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

Gabriel García Márquez's masterpiece is a sweeping tale of the Buendía family and their role in founding the fictional town of Macondo. This epic narrative, rich with magical realism, spans seven generations, exploring themes of cyclical fate and karmic retribution.

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 Ben-Hur follows the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a man living during the time of Jesus, who witnesses the Crucifixion. The novel is best known today through its iconic film adaptation, particularly remembered for its thrilling 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 Francesca, an Italian American war bride, and her passionate affair with a traveling photographer. Adapted into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and later into a Broadway musical, the story has resonated with audiences worldwide.

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, a disaffected prep school student. Despite Salinger's reclusive nature, his work continues to influence readers and may see further posthumous releases.

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 perilous mission to defeat Lord Voldemort. The book's release was accompanied by a massive anti-spoiler campaign, and its narrative was split 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

In this pivotal book, Harry learns crucial information about Lord Voldemort, setting the stage for the final confrontation. Half-Blood Prince serves as the exposition to Deathly Hallows's action-packed climax.

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 plot. Despite initial criticism, it has gained appreciation for its 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

Goblet of Fire marks a turning point in the series, introducing the Triwizard Tournament and darker themes. It's often considered one of the strongest entries, with a memorable twist that shifts the series' tone.

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, with Harry facing new challenges, including the escaped wizard Sirius Black. It's often cited as the moment when many readers became dedicated fans.

13. The Alchemist (O Alquimista)

### The Alchemist (O Alquimista)

13See it at AmazonAuthor: Paulo Coelho

Country: Brazil

Publication Date: 1988

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist follows a Spanish shepherd on a quest for treasure in Egypt. Initially a flop, the novel's success is a testament to Coelho's perseverance and belief in his work. 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, introducing key elements and setting the stage for future adventures.

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

Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code became a cultural phenomenon with its fast-paced narrative and controversial claims about Jesus and the Catholic Church. Despite mixed reviews, 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, Vardi Wala Gunda is a gripping mystery thriller about corrupt police and assassination plots. It's the most famous work of Ved Prakash Sharma, who has authored 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 foundational work in the fantasy genre, detailing the adventures of explorers in a lost African kingdom. Its influence can be seen in popular media like 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

C.S. Lewis's classic introduces readers to Narnia, a magical world accessed through a wardrobe. The story of four children battling the White Witch and restoring Aslan's rule has become a cornerstone of children's literature, spawning six sequels.

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, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit introduced readers to Bilbo Baggins and his quest with a wizard and dwarves. Initially a standalone, it was later integrated into the 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 chronicles the rise and fall of a noble family during the Qing Dynasty. It's renowned for its detailed 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 And Then There Were None is a masterfully crafted murder mystery set on an isolated island. As guests are killed off one by one, the survivors race to uncover the killer's identity.

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 captures the wonder of Harry's initial foray into the wizarding world. Its blend of magic and adventure has captivated readers of all ages, setting a new standard for fantasy literature.

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 that explores the innocence of childhood and the complexities of adulthood. Its allegorical nature has led to various interpretations, including as a commentary on war.

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's A Tale of Two Cities opens with one of literature's most famous lines, setting the stage for a gripping narrative about the French Revolution. It delves into themes of class struggle and human resilience.

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's Don Quixote is a tragicomic epic about a man who, inspired by tales of chivalry, embarks on a quest as a knight. The iconic scene of Don Quixote battling windmills he believes to be giants has become a cultural touchstone.

Best Selling Books in 2024

Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is more straightforward, thanks to data from 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 releases. Here are the top 10 books of 2024 according to Amazon: