Across genres and beyond borders, books have the power to change lives. In this digital age where e-books prevail, books still hold a strong ground. Billions of books are sold every year. Maybe it’s the feel of the book, the smell of the book, or any other reason specific to each individual that is buying that book. But one thing’s for sure, books are here to stay. Have you ever wondered which books have sold the most copies over the years? Let’s have a look at the best-selling books of all time! This list would not include major political and religious books as it is difficult to keep track of how many of these books have been sold. To see which book has made the most sales in history, you need to scroll all the way to the end. Happy reading!
Also read: 15 Most Inspirational Books That You Should Definitely Read
Here’s the list of the 15 best-selling books of all time that you should definitely get a copy of!
1. The Alchemist
Copies sold: 65 million
This book tells you that it is okay to dream and it also gives you the strength to pursue your dreams through the humble story of a shepherd named Santiago. This story is so fantastical yet so simple that it makes a home in your heart. Maybe that’s the reason why it is one of the best-selling books of all time.
2. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Copies sold: 65 million
This is not the only book from the Harry Potter series to make a cut in this list. All credits go to J.K. Rowling for creating such a universe that appealed to the young and old alike. Harry Potter enters his 6th year at Hogwarts and gets to learn more about Voldemort. He also finds an old potion book that belongs to a certain ‘Half-Blood Prince’. This interesting and intriguing book is no doubt a best-seller.
3. Think And Grow Rich
Copies sold: 70 million
First published in 1937, this book took examples of millionaires to teach its readers the qualities required to become a winner. The several editions released after that applied Hill’s theories to recent times. The appeal of the book is such that it is going to be decades before this book finally goes off-sales.
4. The Da Vinci Code
Copies sold: 80 million
This book, released in 2003, is a follow-up to the 2000 book by the same author named ‘Angels and Demons’ which was also a best-seller. With a blockbuster film adaptation, this adventure thriller novel is one of the best-selling novels of all time.
5. She: A History of Adventure
Copies sold: 83 million
H. Rider Haggard’s seminal work, ‘She: A History of Adventure’, has never been out of print since it was first released in the year 1887. It is a fantasy novel that focuses on a 2000-year-old queen of a mysterious African kingdom.
6. The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
Copies sold: 85 million
This children’s fantasy novel by C.S. Lewis is part of the famous Chronicles of Narnia series. Lewis had written this novel for his granddaughter, who knew that this book would become a best-seller? We all did! C’mon, this novel is just awesome.
7. The Hobbit
Copies sold: 100 million
Fantasy, fantasy, all the way. J.R.R. Tolkien’s high fantasy universe is a delight for all readers and also one of the best-selling novels of all time.
8. Dream of the Red Chamber
Copies sold: 100 million
One of the 4 great classic novels of China, this book is considered a masterpiece of Chinese literature. This book and its translated copies have never been out of print since the 18th century.
9. And Then There Were None
Copies sold- 100 million
Agatha Christie is popularly known as the world’s best-selling novelist of all time. Her mystery novels are a delight. From the pen of the ‘Queen of Crime’ herself, And Then There Were None is one of the best-selling books of all time.
10. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Copies sold- 120 million
J. K. Rowling’s gift to the world, this book is the first installment in the Harry Potter series. The book took the world by storm as readers (who soon became Potterheads) couldn’t get enough of a 12-year-old wizard who enters a School of Witchcraft and Wizardy.
11. The Little Prince
Copies sold- 142 million
This French masterpiece is one of the most translated and printed books of all time. The book has an extremely delightful aura to it which is just one of the reasons why it is a best-seller.
12. The Lord of The Rings
Copies sold- 150 million
The sequel to The Hobbit, The Lord of The Rings was released in three volumes over a period of a year, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. These volumes were later adapted into award-winning movies. These best-sellers enjoy a huge fanbase all over the world.
13. A Tale of Two Cities
Copies sold: 200 million
One of Dicken’s best works, A Tale of Two Cities, is a lengthy historical novel, that is so interesting that one wouldn’t mind the length. No wonder it is one of the best-selling novels of all time.
14. Xinhua Zidian
Copies sold: 400 million
This pocket-sized dictionary was declared as the “most popular dictionary” of the world by Guinness World Records in the year 2016. This Chinese dictionary is even more popular than the Oxford English Dictionary.
And the best-selling book of all time is, drum rolls…
15. Don Quixote
Copies sold: 500 million
No wonder this book is the best-selling book of all time! It is a full package, undoubtedly one of the best works of fiction ever written. I am not over-selling (pun-intended) this book. This masterpiece is the brightest star in the galaxy of works in Spanish literature and world literature in general.
So, these were the 15 best-selling books of all time. We have come to a conclusion that fantasy sells better than any other genre, isn’t it? Which of these books have you already read? Do let us know in the comments section.