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These 15 best selling books have achieved remarkable sales. They have also left a lasting impact on readers worldwide. They span various genres, cultures, and time periods, showcasing the diverse and powerful nature of literature. These best selling books continue to inspire readers of all ages. They educate and entertain through epic adventures. Philosophical musings and thrilling mysteries also captivate readers.
Each of these best selling books have a unique story to tell. They are timeless treasures in the world of literature. Their ability to resonate with readers across different backgrounds and eras highlights their universal appeal and enduring significance. These books show the human experience. They also shape it. They leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who read them.
The Timeless Classics
1. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

Description: This Spanish novel follows the adventures of Alonso Quixano. He is a nobleman who reads so many chivalric romances that he loses his sanity. He decides to become a knight-errant, Don Quixote. Sancho Panza, his loyal squire, accompanies him. Together, they embark on a quest to revive chivalry and bring justice to the world.
Published: 1605
Publisher: Francisco de Robles
Country: Spain
Languages Translated To: Over 50
Selling Count: 500 million copies
Amount: $1.5 billion
2. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Description: Set during the turbulent times of the French Revolution, this historical novel tells the story of the French Dr. Manette, who is released from eighteen years of wrongful imprisonment in the Bastille. The narrative explores themes of resurrection, sacrifice, and the dichotomy of good and evil.
Published: 1859
Publisher: Chapman & Hall
Country: United Kingdom
Languages Translated To: Over 40
Selling Count: 200 million copies
Amount: $600 million
3. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Description: This epic fantasy trilogy follows a quest. The goal is to destroy the One Ring. It is a powerful artifact created by the Dark Lord Sauron. The story takes place in the fictional world of Middle-earth. It features a diverse cast of characters. These characters include hobbits, elves, dwarves, and men.
Published: 1954
Publisher: George Allen & Unwin
Country: United Kingdom
Languages Translated To: Over 38
Selling Count: 150 million copies
Amount: $450 million
4. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Description: This novella tells the story of a young prince. He travels from planet to planet. He meets various inhabitants and learns valuable life lessons. It is a philosophical tale that explores themes of love, loss, and the importance of looking beneath the surface.
Published: 1943
Publisher: Reynal & Hitchcock
Country: France
Languages Translated To: Over 300
Selling Count: 140 million copies
Amount: $420 million
5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Description: The first book in the Harry Potter series introduces readers to a young wizard named Harry Potter. He embarks on adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The story explores themes of friendship, bravery, and the battle between good and evil.
Published: 1997
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Country: United Kingdom
Languages Translated To: Over 80
Selling Count: 120 million copies
Amount: $360 million
6. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Description: This mystery novel follows ten strangers who are invited to a remote island under different pretexts. They soon realize they are being targeted by an unknown assailant, and one by one, they are killed. The novel is renowned for its intricate plot and suspenseful narrative.
Published: 1939
Publisher: Collins Crime Club
Country: United Kingdom
Languages Translated To: Over 50
Selling Count: 100 million copies
Amount: $300 million
7. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Description: This fantasy novel follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins. He is a hobbit who is reluctantly drawn into an epic quest. The mission is to reclaim the lost Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. The story is a prelude to “The Lord of the Rings” and introduces readers to the rich world of Middle-earth.
Published: 1937
Publisher: George Allen & Unwin
Country: United Kingdom
Languages Translated To: Over 50
Selling Count: 100 million copies
Amount: $300 million
8. Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin

Description: This Chinese classic is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. It provides a detailed, episodic record of the lives of two branches of the wealthy Jia clan. The story focuses on the tragic love between Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu.
Published: 1791
Publisher: Various
Country: China
Languages Translated To: Over 20
Selling Count: 100 million copies
Amount: $300 million
9. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Description: The first book in “The Chronicles of Narnia” series. It tells the story of four siblings who discover a magical wardrobe that leads to the land of Narnia. They join forces with the lion Aslan to defeat the White Witch and restore peace to Narnia.
Published: 1950
Publisher: Geoffrey Bles
Country: United Kingdom
Languages Translated To: Over 47
Selling Count: 85 million copies
Amount: $255 million
10. She: A History of Adventure by H. Rider Haggard

Description: The first book in “The Chronicles of Narnia” series. It tells the story of four siblings who discover a magical wardrobe. This wardrobe leads to the land of Narnia. They join forces with the lion Aslan to defeat the White Witch and restore peace to Narnia.
Published: 1887
Publisher: Longmans, Green & Co.
Country: United Kingdom
Languages Translated To: Over 44
Selling Count: 83 million copies
Amount: $249 million
11. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Description: This mystery thriller follows symbologist Robert Langdon. Cryptologist Sophie Neveu joins him. They investigate a murder in the Louvre Museum. Their quest uncovers a secret society and a hidden truth about the Holy Grail.
Published: 2003
Publisher: Doubleday
Country: United States
Languages Translated To: Over 44
Selling Count: 80 million copies
Amount: $240 million
12. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Description: This personal development and self-help book explains the principles of success and wealth-building. Hill’s study of successful individuals forms the basis of these principles. It emphasizes the power of thought and the importance of goal-setting and persistence.
Published: 1937
Publisher: The Ralston Society
Country: United States
Languages Translated To: Over 40
Selling Count: 70 million copies
Amount: $210 million
13. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Description: This novel follows the experiences of Holden Caulfield, a teenager who has been expelled from prep school. It explores themes of teenage angst, alienation, and the loss of innocence.
Published: 1951
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Country: United States
Languages Translated To: Over 30
Selling Count: 65 million copies
Amount: $195 million
14. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Description: This philosophical novel tells the story of Santiago. He is a shepherd boy who dreams of finding a treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. His journey teaches him about the importance of following one’s dreams and listening to one’s heart.
Published: 1988
Publisher: HarperTorch
Country: Brazil
Languages Translated To: Over 80
Selling Count: 65 million copies
Amount: $195 million
15. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Description: The second book in the Harry Potter series. It follows Harry’s second year at Hogwarts. He uncovers the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets and confronts the dark forces within.
Published: 1998
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Country: United Kingdom
Languages Translated To: Over 80
Selling Count: 60 million copies
Amount: $180 million
Data Table: The top 15 most popular, influential, and best-selling books of all time:
Rank | Book Title | Selling Count | Amount | Writer Name | Publishing Year | Publisher | Country | Languages Translated To |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Don Quixote | 500 million | $1.5 billion | Miguel de Cervantes | 1605 | Francisco de Robles | 🇪🇸 Spain | Over 50 |
2 | A Tale of Two Cities | 200 million | $600 million | Charles Dickens | 1859 | Chapman & Hall | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Over 40 |
3 | The Lord of the Rings | 150 million | $450 million | J.R.R. Tolkien | 1954 | George Allen & Unwin | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Over 38 |
4 | The Little Prince | 140 million | $420 million | Antoine de Saint-Exupéry | 1943 | Reynal & Hitchcock | 🇫🇷 France | Over 300 |
5 | Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone | 120 million | $360 million | J.K. Rowling | 1997 | Bloomsbury | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Over 80 |
6 | And Then There Were None | 100 million | $300 million | Agatha Christie | 1939 | Collins Crime Club | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Over 50 |
7 | The Hobbit | 100 million | $300 million | J.R.R. Tolkien | 1937 | George Allen & Unwin | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Over 50 |
8 | Dream of the Red Chamber | 100 million | $300 million | Cao Xueqin | 1791 | Various | 🇨🇳 China | Over 20 |
9 | The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe | 85 million | $255 million | C.S. Lewis | 1950 | Geoffrey Bles | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Over 47 |
10 | She: A History of Adventure | 83 million | $249 million | H. Rider Haggard | 1887 | Longmans, Green & Co. | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Over 44 |
11 | The Da Vinci Code | 80 million | $240 million | Dan Brown | 2003 | Doubleday | 🇺🇸 United States | Over 44 |
12 | Think and Grow Rich | 70 million | $210 million | Napoleon Hill | 1937 | The Ralston Society | 🇺🇸 United States | Over 40 |
13 | The Catcher in the Rye | 65 million | $195 million | J.D. Salinger | 1951 | Little, Brown and Company | 🇺🇸 United States | Over 30 |
14 | The Alchemist | 65 million | $195 million | Paulo Coelho | 1988 | HarperTorch | 🇧🇷 Brazil | Over 80 |
15 | Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets | 60 million | $180 million | J.K. Rowling | 1998 | Bloomsbury | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Over 80 |
Conclusion
These 15 best selling books have achieved remarkable sales. They have also left a lasting impact on readers worldwide. They span various genres, cultures, and time periods, showcasing the diverse and powerful nature of literature. These best selling books inspire readers through epic adventures. They educate with philosophical musings. They entertain with thrilling mysteries, reaching readers of all ages.
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