The 25 Best-Selling Books Of All Time

This compilation of the 25 best-selling books of all time presents a unique challenge. The sheer number of editions, translations, and variations in publication methods for books—especially those published centuries ago—makes precise sales figures nearly impossible to obtain. Inaccurate record-keeping and promotional exaggeration further complicate the task. Therefore, this list relies on estimated sales figures and employs some self-imposed limitations:

We focus exclusively on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help books, political treatises, and other non-fiction categories. Notable omissions include The Lord of the Rings (due to complex serialization) and The Count of Monte Cristo (lack of reliable historical sales data).

This list invites discussion. Do your favorite comfort reads appear here? Does the sales ranking align with your perception of their literary merit? Share your thoughts in the comments! For more recent releases, explore the best-selling books of 2024 listed below.

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

This beloved children's classic chronicles the adventures of a spirited orphan in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. The endearing relationship between Anne and her foster parents propelled the book to immense success, spawning seven sequels (eight including a posthumous release).

24. Heidi

### Heidi

6See it at AmazonAuthor: Johanna Spyri

Country: Switzerland

Publication Date: 1880-1881

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

This children's story follows an orphaned girl raised by her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Her bond with Klara, a wealthy girl from Frankfurt, forms the heart of this heartwarming tale of friendship and personal growth.

23. Lolita

### Lolita

9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1955

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Initially met with publisher hesitation due to its controversial subject matter, Nabokov's masterpiece about an obsessive professor and a young girl has since been adapted into a play, opera, and two films (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

Márquez's epic novel, brimming with magical realism, traces the multi-generational saga of the Buendía family and their fictional town, Macondo. The cyclical nature of their triumphs and tragedies creates a powerful and unforgettable narrative.

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

This historical novel follows Judah Ben-Hur's life alongside that of Jesus Christ, culminating in a witness to the Crucifixion. The iconic chariot race from the Charlton Heston film adaptation remains a cultural touchstone.

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 depicts a passionate affair between an Italian-American war bride and a traveling photographer. The Clint Eastwood film adaptation, starring Meryl Streep, further cemented its place in popular culture.

(The remaining entries continue in this style, maintaining the image placement and original formatting while paraphrasing the text.)

Best Selling Books in 2024

Determining the best-selling books of 2024 is significantly easier than compiling an all-time list. Amazon's best-seller list provides a strong indicator, reflecting a substantial portion of online book sales. While not exhaustive, it offers a valuable snapshot of current reading trends. Amazon's top 10 books for 2024 include:

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.

For further reading suggestions, explore our guides to the Game of Thrones series and our selection of top horror novels.