Top 10 Best-Selling Books of All Time

Top 10 Best-Selling Books of All Time

1. Don Quixote

Written by Miguel de Cervantes and first published in 1605, Don Quixote is considered one of the most influential works of literature in the Western canon. The novel's exploration of chivalric romances, reality, and madness has captivated readers for centuries. Over 500 million copies have been sold worldwide, making it not only the best-selling book of all time but also one of the most translated novels ever written.

2. A Tale of Two Cities

Written by Charles Dickens and published in 1859, A Tale of Two Cities is a classic tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. The novel's themes of social justice, loyalty, and the struggle for freedom have resonated with readers across cultures and centuries. With estimated sales of over 200 million copies worldwide, it remains one of Dickens' most enduring works.

3. The Lord of the Rings

Written by J.R.R. Tolkien and published in 1954-1955, The Lord of the Rings is a high fantasy novel that has captivated readers with its richly detailed world-building, memorable characters, and epic quest storyline. With estimated sales of over 150 million copies worldwide, it has become one of the best-selling novels of all time, inspiring numerous adaptations, including movies, video games, and stage productions.

4. The Little Prince

Written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and published in 1943, The Little Prince is a timeless novella about friendship, love, and the human condition. With its simple yet profound illustrations and themes, it has become an international phenomenon, with estimated sales of over 140 million copies worldwide.

5. To Kill a Mockingbird

Written by Harper Lee and published in 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel about racial injustice, tolerance, and the loss of innocence set in the American South during the 1930s. With its strong moral compass and memorable characters, it has become an iconic work of modern American literature, with estimated sales of over 120 million copies worldwide.

6. The Catcher in the Rye

Written by J.D. Salinger and published in 1951, The Catcher in the Rye is a coming-of-age novel about adolescent angst, alienation, and rebellion. With its relatable protagonist, Holden Caulfield, it has become an iconic work of American literature, with estimated sales of over 100 million copies worldwide.

7. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Written by J.K. Rowling and published in 1997, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is a fantasy novel that launched the beloved Harry Potter series. With its magical world-building, memorable characters, and themes of friendship and perseverance, it has become a global phenomenon, with estimated sales of over 90 million copies worldwide.

8. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Written by C.S. Lewis and published in 1950, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a fantasy novel about siblings, courage, and redemption set during World War II. With its unique magical world-building and memorable characters, it has become a classic work of children's literature, with estimated sales of over 80 million copies worldwide.

9. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Written by Lewis Carroll and published in 1865, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a beloved fantasy novel about curiosity, imagination, and the absurdities of growing up. With its whimsical illustrations and memorable characters, it has become an iconic work of children's literature, with estimated sales of over 70 million copies worldwide.

10. The Hunger Games

Written by Suzanne Collins and published in 2008, The Hunger Games is a dystopian novel about rebellion, survival, and social commentary set in a futuristic world. With its strong female protagonist, memorable characters, and gripping storyline, it has become a global phenomenon, with estimated sales of over 60 million copies worldwide.