The 22 All-Time Best-Selling Books

While scholars might endlessly argue about which book can truly claim the title of "the best" of all time, determining which have achieved the highest levels of commercial success is a more straightforward task. We can simply check the sales numbers and create an updated ranking. Unfortunately, that too proves to be a more complex challenge.

There's no unified source or official list for global book sales. Publishers may choose not to disclose sales data, or the reported numbers might be unreliable. The situation becomes even more muddled when popular titles are released in various editions, sometimes by different publishers. Classic works in the public domain can also be published by several companies simultaneously. In reality, any worldwide sales estimate for older books is likely little more than an informed guess.

These challenges become even more pronounced when you consider religious texts like the Bible, the Quran, or the Book of Mormon. Sales figures for these books are nearly impossible to verify, and they are often distributed freely to followers or given away in public spaces. Comparing their sales numbers to those of works by authors like Charles Dickens or J.K. Rowling is like comparing apples to oranges. As a result, these religious texts, along with books like "Quotations from Mao Zedong," have been excluded from this list.

With these considerations in mind, here is our current list of the 22 best-selling books of all time, based on the information available.

1: "Xinhua Zidian" - 567 million

It might not be surprising to find a reference book at the top of this list, but did you know that "Xinhua Zidian," a Chinese-language dictionary, is likely the best-selling book of them all? First published in 1953, "Xinhua Zidian" became the go-to dictionary for Chinese schoolchildren. Its widespread use in China, the world’s most populous nation (with 1.4 billion people as of 2022), secures this book a unique spot on our list. For the first time, "Xinhua Zidian" has surpassed "Don Quixote" for the top position. In 2016, Guinness World Records recognized "Xinhua Zidian" for having sold an estimated 567 million copies worldwide.

2: "Don Quixote de la Mancha" - 500 million

Miguel de Cervantes' novel about a man so captivated by stories of knights that he sets out to become one is often credited as the precursor to modern novels. Originally published in two parts in 1605 and 1615, Quixote's humorous and poignant escapades as he journeys across the Spanish countryside, attempting to right wrongs and lift the spirits of the oppressed, have captivated readers for generations, securing its place on best-seller lists over the years. The book also introduced the phrase "tilting at windmills," which refers to a noble yet futile pursuit.

Although the novel experiences periodic spikes in popularity, particularly in Spain, its total sales remain an approximation. The reality is that "Don Quixote," the oldest book on this list, has had centuries to build its sales. Without a time machine to measure sales from the 1600s, estimates suggest that "Don Quixote" has sold around 500 million copies. It holds the No. 2 spot on our list due to its enduring global appeal over an extraordinary period and its impressive estimated total sales.

3: "A Tale of Two Cities" - 200 million

First published in 1859, Charles Dickens' novel, one of the most celebrated works of literature, explores the class conflicts that sparked the French Revolution, revealing an unsettling truth: sometimes the revolutionaries are as oppressive as the system they replace. As Dickens famously wrote, "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times."

"A Tale of Two Cities" is in the public domain and has been printed in countless editions by numerous publishers for over 150 years, making it impossible to determine an exact sales figure. The estimated 200 million copies sold is disputed, as there's no definitive source to confirm it. Nonetheless, given that it's one of Dickens' most beloved works and is a staple on reading lists in schools worldwide, it’s only fitting that it claims the No. 3 spot on our list.

4: "The Lord of the Rings" - 150 million

This thrilling fantasy trilogy plays a significant role on our list. J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" is credited with shaping the modern fantasy genre. It tells a timeless story of good versus evil, exploring the deep sacrifices friends make for one another.

Tolkien's original publisher split his extensive 500,000-word manuscript into three volumes, first released in 1954 and 1955. The story follows Frodo Baggins' epic journey across Middle Earth. The books also featured maps of lush landscapes and ancient dragon dens, drawn by Tolkien’s son, Christopher. These fantastical tales remain beloved and are often sold together in beautifully crafted boxed editions.

5: "The Little Prince" - 140 million

"The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a delightful novella about a young, solitary prince who travels through various planets, including Earth, from his home on a tiny asteroid. The book's exploration of themes like loss and human connection resonates with readers worldwide, making it one of the most enduring classics on our list. Originally published in both English and French in 1943, it has become cherished across generations, even though it was written with children in mind. Monuments to "The Little Prince" can be found globally, and astronomers even named an asteroid after the one inhabited by the prince in the story.

Sources estimate the lifetime sales of "The Little Prince" to be between 140 million and 142 million copies, securing its place as the fifth-best-selling book on our list.

6: "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" - 120 million

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" is the opening volume in J.K. Rowling's iconic and bestselling series, which follows young wizards living in a magical yet modern world filled with dark secrets. The story begins on Harry's 11th birthday when he learns he is a wizard, a revelation that has captivated readers since the book's release in 1997. Rowling's ability to draw readers into this enchanting world has made the book a timeless favorite.

With an estimated 120 million copies sold, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" claims the No. 6 spot on our list. It also benefits from modern sales tracking technologies, making its figures more accurate than those of older books.

7: "And Then There Were None" - 100 million

"And Then There Were None" stands as the top-selling book by the renowned British mystery writer Agatha Christie. First published in 1939, the novel tells the chilling tale of a series of murders on an isolated island, each death matching a verse from a haunting nursery rhyme. The shocking conclusion is revealed in Christie's clever epilogue, which ties everything together.

The sales figures for "And Then There Were None" are an approximation: since 2017, Agatha Christie has been recognized as the world's most-translated author by Guinness World Records, with 7,236 translations of her works, including this iconic book. With an estimated 100 million copies sold, Christie claims the No. 7 spot on our list.

8: "Dream of the Red Chamber" - 100 million

The Chinese classic "Dream of the Red Chamber" is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the rise and fall of a family during the Qing dynasty. Written by Cao Xueqin and first published in 1791, it is regarded as one of China's four great classical novels. Its influence endures, and a dedicated field of literary scholarship has emerged around it.

"Dream of the Red Chamber" is highly regarded for its portrayal of the rich cultural landscape of 18th-century China. The novel remains a lasting influence today, with ongoing academic discussions and new theories bringing fresh insights into its 400 characters, many of whom are women. It is one of the earliest works to offer a window into the lives of women in Chinese society during this period. The book’s estimated lifetime sales are around 100 million copies, although many consider this figure to be conservative given its enduring place in literary history.

9: "The Hobbit" - 100 million

Published in 1937, "The Hobbit" serves as a prequel to Tolkien's celebrated "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. It introduces readers to Bilbo Baggins, a member of the Hobbit race, who embarks on a perilous quest to reclaim treasure stolen by a fearsome dragon. Along the way, Bilbo stumbles upon a magical ring in a stream, a discovery that brings both power and peril into his life. This adventure explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the complexity of friendship.

"The Hobbit," one of J.R.R. Tolkien's most celebrated works, has sold a minimum of 100 million copies and paved the way for the immensely popular "Lord of the Rings" series.

10: "Think and Grow Rich" - 100 million

Napoleon Hill, often regarded as the father of the American self-help movement, studied successful individuals and developed a blueprint for personal achievement. His most famous book, "Think and Grow Rich," was published in 1937 during the Great Depression and has since sold over 100 million copies. This book not only ranks among the best-sellers of all time, but it also holds the title of one of the most influential self-help books ever published.

"Think and Grow Rich" presents Hill's philosophy for success, a system that has resonated deeply with people striving to improve their lives. The book remained a fixture on best-seller lists for years and sparked an entire genre of books dedicated to teaching others how to achieve success deliberately.

11: "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" - 85 million

C.S. Lewis first published this religiously-influenced fantasy in hardcover in 1950. Originally aimed at children, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" takes place during World War II and showcases a timeless "magical doorway" storyline. This concept, where the journey begins upon discovering a portal between the ordinary world and a fantastical one, would later inspire J.K. Rowling in her works.

The young protagonists of Lewis' story venture into a mystical world known as Narnia during World War II, where they encounter talking animals, mythical beings, and a divine lion. This tale kickstarted an entire series of Narnia books. Like many of the other books in this list, it was also adapted into a film.

12: "The Da Vinci Code" - 80 million

Dan Brown's 2003 thriller, "The Da Vinci Code," dives into a conspiracy that uncovers the chilling truths hidden by the Catholic Church. The book's popularity soared even further when the Church condemned it, followed by the release of the film adaptation in 2006, starring Tom Hanks.

"The Da Vinci Code" not only proves that mystery novels can stand strong alongside fantasy novels on this list, but it also ignited a cultural fascination with the hidden truths behind powerful historical institutions. Dan Brown's next release, "The Lost Symbol" (2006), broke one-day sales records. However, "The Da Vinci Code" still holds the title as Brown's best-selling work, with over 80 million copies sold.

13: "The Alchemist" - 80 million

"The Alchemist," a mystical tale by Paulo Coelho, follows the journey of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy, and ranks No. 13 on our list. Originally written in Portuguese in 1986 and later translated into English in 1993, this allegorical masterpiece tells the story of a young shepherd's quest for his destiny in the vast desert.

Various sources estimate that "The Alchemist" has sold around 80 million copies globally.

14: "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" - 77 million

The second installment in the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," was released in 1998 and delves deeper into the secrets of the wizarding school, Hogwarts, while continuing the story of Harry and his friends, and the ever-looming threat of the villain, Voldemort. The adventure kicks off when Harry receives a cryptic warning that his life will be at risk if he returns to Hogwarts—but he must return. Hogwarts, and his friends, provide Harry with the strength to endure his summers with the Dursleys.

While it's challenging to pinpoint why some of the books in the Harry Potter series sell slightly more or less than others, there’s a consensus among fans that there’s no weak book in the collection—every installment holds its own.

15: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" - 65 million

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" may be the sixth entry in the seven-part Harry Potter series, but it holds the position as the third best-seller of the series, with all seven books making this prestigious list. This novel is significant for unveiling the early years of the series' antagonist, Voldemort, as well as for a devastating death scene that stunned countless fans with its dark twist. The book not only sold millions of copies, but it did so at lightning speed—9 million copies were sold within just 24 hours of its release in 2005.

16: "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" - 65 million

The fourth installment of the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" (2000), revolves around the Tri-Wizard Tournament, a seemingly friendly competition between Hogwarts and two rival magical schools. In this book, Harry comes face-to-face with a newly physical Voldemort for the first time. With all seven books from the series appearing on this list, it’s clear that fantasy dominates the all-time best-sellers, with the genre representing a third of the list.

17: "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" - 65 million

"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" was released in 2003 as the fifth book in the series. This volume introduces a secret organization dedicated to opposing Voldemort’s increasing influence. It’s hard to say whether this book, "Goblet of Fire," or "Prisoner of Azkaban" has sold more copies, but the overall sales are likely irrelevant to the outcome. The combined royalties from the series helped make J.K. Rowling one of the richest women in the world, with an estimated net worth of $1 billion.

18: "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" - 65 million

Released in 1999, the third book in the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," follows Harry and his friends as they face new challenges and misadventures at Hogwarts. The story features werewolves and time travel, and it delves deeper into the lives of Harry’s parents, James and Lily, whose tragic deaths protected him from Lord Voldemort.

19: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" - 65 million

The final book in the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," was released in 2007 and quickly became a phenomenon, selling 44 million copies within a year, before the paperback version had even been released. Like the other books in the series, it reached approximately 65 million copies sold. Fans are eagerly anticipating the eighth book, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," which continues the story. Who would have imagined there would be an eighth book?

20: "The Catcher in the Rye" - 60 million

"The Catcher in the Rye," J.D. Salinger's 1951 novel about teenage disillusionment, remains one of his most iconic works and is a fundamental read for adolescents everywhere. The book offers a compelling exploration of the angst many high school students feel. Like Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities," Salinger's novel benefits from its presence on required reading lists in schools, but it also offers a deep, introspective view into the troubled mind of a teenage boy grappling with his place in the world.

21: "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ" - 50 million

Lew Wallace's 1880 novel, "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ," takes a unique approach to discussing the life of Jesus Christ by telling the story through the eyes of the protagonist, Judah Ben-Hur. Wallace's careful research into the historical accuracy of the period provides a vivid backdrop for the novel. By weaving religious themes throughout, the book not only explores the life of Christ but also played a significant role in popularizing novels in the U.S. at the time.

The sales numbers are approximate — the book gained immense popularity shortly after its release, but it's likely that you're more familiar with it due to the 1959 film starring Charlton Heston or the 2016 remake.

22: "Lolita" - 50 million

Vladimir Nabokov's controversial novel, "Lolita," was first published in 1955. The story, which focuses on a man named Humbert Humbert and his inappropriate relationship with his 12-year-old stepdaughter, has been banned in several places due to its sensitive content. Despite the controversy, the novel is highly regarded by many, with 125 famous authors voting it as one of the greatest books ever written.