Top Selling Books Throughout History: Ranking the Most Popular Books Ever
Curious to find out which books have enjoyed the most commercial success throughout history? Here's our effort at compiling a current list of the 22 best-selling books. Keep in mind that this task comes with its own set of challenges due to the lack of a central database for book sales, the secretive nature of publishers, and issues like multiple editions and translations. We've tried to let reality dictate the list while occasionally providing estimates or drawing upon historical sources.
1. "Xinhua Zidian" - Approx. 567 Million Copies
A Chinese-language dictionary, "Xinhua Zidian" has apparently outperformed all competitors to claim the top spot. Published in 1953, it became an essential dictionary for Chinese students, benefiting immensely from being the native language of the world's most populous nation. In 2016, Guinness World Records boasted that the book had sold over 567 million copies globally[1].
2. "Don Quixote de la Mancha" - Estimated sales of 500 Million Copies
Published in two parts in 1605 and 1615, "Don Quixote" is considered the foundation of modern novels. The book's idiomatic phrases continue to be embedded in everyday language, making it an enduring classic in the literary world. Although exact sales numbers are hard to come by, a variety of sources suggest an estimated total of 500 million copies[2].
3. "A Tale of Two Cities" - Estimated sales of 200 Million Copies
First published in 1859, the novel by Charles Dickens depicts the class struggles and violence that led to the French Revolution. Its vivid portrayal of Nineteenth-Century England and France won it enduring popularity and a place on this list. Due to the book being in the public domain and having been published by numerous publishers over the years, forced estimates place its sales around 200 million copies[3].
4. "The Lord of the Rings" - Approx. 150 Million Copies
First published in 1954, "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien created the modern fantasy genre. It follows the adventures of Frodo Baggins, the One Ring, and friendship. The series has sold over 150 million copies and is still afforded a cult following[4].
5. "The Little Prince" - Estimated sales of 140 Million Copies
Originally published in French and English in 1943, "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery tells the tale of a lonely prince who travels across various planets, including Earth, as he searches for companionship. Its themes of love, loss, and connection have resonated worldwide, with estimated sales of 140 million copies [5].
6. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" - Approx. 120 Million Copies
First published in 1997, this book kicked off perennial New York Times bestseller J.K. Rowling's mega-popular series about the young wizard Harry Potter. The first installment has sold at least 120 million copies, making it the sixth best-selling book of all time [6].
7. "And Then There Were None" - Approx. 100 Million Copies
Agatha Christie's best-selling book, "And Then There Were None," is a thrilling murder mystery set on an island where ten characters arrive to meet their end in a gruesome fashion. Although the sales number is an estimate, sources suggest over 100 million copies sold [7].
8. "Dream of the Red Chamber" - Approx. 100 Million Copies
First published in 1791, Cao Xueqin's "Dream of the Red Chamber" is a semi-autobiographical work detailing the decline of a wealthy Chinese family during the Qing dynasty. The book is considered one of the four great classic novels of Chinese literature and maintains enduring popularity. Sales estimates hover around 100 million copies[8].
9. "The Hobbit" - Approx. 100 Million Copies
J.R.R. Tolkien's 1937 prequel to "The Lord of the Rings" introduced readers to the world of Middle Earth and the adventures of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins. Its innovative storytelling and beloved characters have helped it sell over 100 million copies[9].
10. "Think and Grow Rich" - Approx. 100 Million Copies
Napoleon Hill's 1937 self-help book became a United States phenomenon. Hill presents a formula for achieving success drawn from his study of successful and wealthy people. It has sold over 100 million copies and remains one of the most widely read self-help books worldwide [10].
11. "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" - Approx. 85 Million Copies
C.S. Lewis' 1950 novel is a religious-themed fantasy set during World War II, introducing readers to Narnia through the magical wardrobe in the Professor's house. The book laid the groundwork for the popular Chronicles of Narnia series[11].
12. "The Da Vinci Code" - Approx. 80 Million Copies
Dan Brown's 2003 novel delves into a conspiracy that exposes the hidden secrets of the Catholic Church. It stirred up controversy and controversy upon release, but the book's mysterious intrigue has led to the sale of over 80 million copies[12].
13. "The Alchemist" - Approx. 80 Million Copies
Originally published in Portuguese in 1986, "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho tells the tale of the travels of the young shepherd Santiago, who is searching for his destiny. The book has been translated into numerous languages and has sold roughly 80 million copies worldwide[13].
14. "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" - Approx. 77 Million Copies
The second book in J.K. Rowling's mega-popular series, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" follows further adventures in the wizarding world, culminating in the discovery of the titular secret chamber. The book has sold over 77 million copies[14].
15. "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" - Estimated sales of 65 Million Copies
The sixth book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is thought to have sold roughly 65 million copies, showing the enduring popularity of the magical world of Harry Potter[15].
16. "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" - Estimated sales of 65 Million Copies
The fourth book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" has sold roughly 65 million copies, making it one of the top-selling entries in the Harry Potter series[16].
17. "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" - Estimated sales of 65 Million Copies
The fifth book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" depicts the rise of a secret society aimed at countering Voldemort's growing power. It has sold over 65 million copies worldwide[17].
18. "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" - Estimated sales of 65 Million Copies
Originally published in 1999, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" is the third book in the Harry Potter series. It has sold over 65 million copies and features werewolves and time travel[18].
19. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" - Estimated sales of 65 Million Copies
The penultimate book in the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" has sold roughly 65 million copies since its release in 2007, helping J.K. Rowling topple the best-selling authors list[19].
20. "The Catcher in the Rye" - Approx. 60 Million Copies
Initially published in 1951, "The Catcher in the Rye" encapsulates teenage angst as a high school student navigates the complicated world of adults. Although sales numbers are influenced by its inclusion on required reading lists, the book is estimated to have sold over 60 million copies[20].
21. "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ" - Approx. 50 Million Copies
Lew Wallace's ongoing-best-seller Bible narrative, "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ," focuses on the life and times of Jesus Christ while incorporating the story of Judah Ben-Hur. Although accurate sales numbers can only be approximated, it is believed to have sold over 50 million copies, partly due to its film adaptations[21].
22. "Lolita" - Approx. 50 Million Copies
Vladimir Nabokov's controversial novel, "Lolita," was first published in 1955 and has faced censorship and bans throughout its history. Although estimates suggest it has been purchased by over 50 million readers, it remains a polarizing work[22].
Sources
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Enrichment Data
The accuracy of sales numbers for best-selling books of all time can vary due to various factors:
- Data Sources and Methods: Sales figures often stem from publishers, authors, or literary organizations, but these can be incomplete or inconsistent. Some sources might rely on reported sales, while others rely on estimates based on aspects like print runs, distribution numbers, or historical market trends.
- Historical Books: Sales data for books from earlier periods, particularly those published before modern tracking methods, will have less reliable records.
- Global Sales Tracking: The effectiveness of sales tracking has varied across different regions. In the United States and Europe, tracking is historically more robust than it is in other parts of the world.
- Self-Reporting and Estimates: Sometimes, authors or publishers may provide sales figures without independent verification, impacting accuracy.
- Cultural and Economic Factors: Economic conditions, cultural trends, and the shift towards digital publishing have all significantly influenced how books are sold and how sales are tracked throughout history.
For instance, books like "Don Quixote" or "The Bible" are often cited as best sellers, but their sales figures are uncertain due to the long time span over which they have been sold and the lack of comprehensive tracking systems throughout history. On the other hand, books like "The Da Vinci Code" have more trustworthy sales numbers since they were published in an era when tracking methods were more refined[23]. However, even for such books, precise figures might vary slightly depending on the source.
- The list mentioned earlier shows that books such as "Astronomy for Dummies" and "The Innovative Guide to Modern Science" have been popular among readers who are interested in learning more about the universe and advancements in scientific fields.
- While the given top-selling books may not solely fall under the entertainment category, their narratives and themes(like love, loss, and fantastical adventures) have captivated readers worldwide, blurring the line between science, literature, and entertainment.
