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 difficulties in accurately quantifying sales due to varying editions, translations, and historical record-keeping inconsistencies. The list excludes religious texts, self-help books, and political works, as well as titles with complex publication histories like The Lord of the Rings.

Estimated sales figures are provided, understanding that these are approximations. The list's inclusion criteria focus solely on literary fiction. Reader feedback is encouraged regarding favorite books and the correlation between sales and perceived quality. A supplementary section highlights Amazon's best-selling books of 2024.

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 in Avonlea, Canada. Its enduring appeal led to numerous sequels.

24. Heidi

Author: Johanna Spyri Country: Switzerland Publication Date: 1880-1881 Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

This children's novel depicts the life of an orphan girl raised in the Swiss Alps and her friendship with a wealthy girl from Frankfurt.

23. Lolita

Author: Vladimir Nabokov Country: United States Publication Date: 1955 Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Nabokov's controversial novel explores the complex relationship between an English professor and a young girl. It has 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

This epic novel, rich in magical realism, chronicles the multi-generational saga of the Buendía family in 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 Christ, famously adapted into a cinematic classic.

20. The Bridges of Madison County

Author: Robert James Waller Country: United States Publication Date: 1992 Estimated Sales: 60 million copies

This romance novel depicts a passionate affair between an Italian-American war bride and a traveling photographer.

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 features the iconic, cynical protagonist Holden Caulfield and his coming-of-age experiences.

18. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Author: J.K. Rowling Country: United Kingdom Publication Date: 2007 Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

The final installment in the Harry Potter series sees Harry, Ron, and Hermione confronting Lord Voldemort in a climactic battle.

17. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Author: J.K. Rowling Country: United Kingdom Publication Date: 2005 Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

This penultimate book in the series provides crucial backstory and sets 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 book in the series, it expands 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

This installment introduces the Triwizard Tournament and marks a shift in tone and intensity.

14. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Author: J.K. Rowling Country: United Kingdom Publication Date: 1999 Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

This book is considered a turning point in the series, showcasing a significant increase in maturity and complexity.

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.

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 book expands the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts.

11. The Da Vinci Code

Author: Dan Brown Country: United States Publication Date: 2003 Estimated Sales: 80 million copies

This controversial thriller sparked widespread interest and debate with its depiction of religious conspiracies.

10. Vardi Wala Gunda

Author: Ved Prakash Sharma Country: India Publication Date: 1992 Estimated Sales: 80 million copies

This Hindi-language mystery thriller focuses on 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

This influential fantasy novel tells the story of 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

This classic children's fantasy novel introduces the magical world of Narnia.

7. The Hobbit

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien Country: United Kingdom Publication Date: 1937 Estimated Sales: 100 million copies

This prequel to The Lord of the Rings follows Bilbo Baggins' adventures with dwarves and a wizard.

6. Dream of the Red Chamber

Author: Cao Xueqin Country: China Publication Date: 1791 Estimated Sales: 100 million copies

This classic Chinese novel depicts 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

This murder mystery traps ten individuals on an island, with deadly consequences.

4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Author: J.K. Rowling Country: United Kingdom Publication Date: 1997 Estimated Sales: 120 million copies

The first book in the Harry Potter series introduced the magical world to a global audience.

3. The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince)

Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Country: France Publication Date: 1943 Estimated Sales: 140 million copies

This allegorical tale explores 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 novel is set during the French Revolution and explores themes of class and social upheaval.

1. Don Quixote

Author: Miguel de Cervantes Country: Spain Publication Date: 1605 (Part One), 1615 (Part Two) Estimated Sales: 500 million copies

This epic novel follows the adventures of a delusional knight errant.

Best-Selling Books of 2024 (Amazon)

Amazon's 2024 best-seller list (a partial representation of overall sales) includes: 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), and Good Energy (Casey Means M.D.).