Compiling a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time presents significant challenges. Factors such as varying editions, translations, abridged versions, serializations, and inconsistent record-keeping make precise sales figures virtually impossible to obtain. Publishers' promotional exaggerations further complicate matters. Therefore, this list employs certain limitations:
We focus solely on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help books, political works, and reference materials (noteworthy omissions like The Bible and Mao Tse-tung's Little Red Book would otherwise feature prominently). Certain influential titles, such as The Lord of the Rings (due to its complex serialization) and The Count of Monte Cristo (owing to the difficulty in sourcing reliable historical sales data), are also excluded.
The estimated sales figures below represent approximations based on available data. Consider this list a curated selection rather than an absolute ranking. We encourage you to share your thoughts on the list and its reflection of literary merit in the comments section. For recently published titles, explore the 2024 bestsellers listed at the end.
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 heartwarming relationship between Anne and her adoptive parents propelled the book's success, leading to 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's life in the Swiss Alps and her bond with a disabled wealthy girl from Frankfurt.
23. Lolita
### Lolita
9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov
Country: United States
Publication Date: 1955
Estimated Sales: 50 million copies
Initially met with publishing hesitancy due to its controversial subject matter, Nabokov's masterpiece, exploring a professor's obsession with a young girl, has since been adapted into various theatrical and cinematic productions.
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, infused with magical realism, traces the multi-generational saga of the Buendía family and their fictional town, Macondo.
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 during the time of Jesus Christ, culminating in a memorable cinematic adaptation featuring a renowned chariot race.
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, achieving further renown through its film adaptation starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep.
(The remaining entries 19-1 through Bestsellers of 2024 follow a similar structure, adapting the original text while maintaining the original image placement and format.)
