The 10 Best-Selling Books of All Time
Reading and writing books have been the most popular means of human education, civilization, and expression of ideas since ancient times. The world of literature is vast and diverse, but among the countless books and authors, only a few have attracted millions of readers. Here we will discuss details about the 10 best-selling books of all time. From religious texts to classic stories, these are the books that have captured the hearts and minds of readers around the world.
Best-Selling Books of All Time
Here are some of the 10 best-selling books of all time, with publication date, author, and copies sold so far:
1. The Bible
Publication Date: 4th century
Estimated Sales: 5+ Billion
The Bible is a collection of sacred texts and is a holy book of Christians and many other religions. People believe that it was inspired by God and contains teachings about life, morality, and faith. Christians think that God is the author, and it tells the story of Jesus. The Bible has influenced cultures and has been translated into many languages, guiding people’s beliefs and practices.
As per estimates, 5-7 Billion copies of the Bible are sold in the last 15 centuries making it the leader among the Best-Selling Books of All Time.
2. Quran
Publication Date: 7th century
Estimated Sales: 800+ Million
The Quran considered the holy book of Islam, is a divine scripture that was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad at the age of 23. After the Bible, the sacred Quran is the leader among the Best-Selling Books of All Time.
It consists of 114 chapters (suras) and emphasizes monotheism, guidance for personal conduct, and social justice, serving as moral and spiritual guidance for more than a billion Muslims worldwide. Its verses, read in Arabic, are revered for their eloquence and profound teachings.
3. Don Quixote
Author: Miguel de Cervantes
Country: Spain
Publication Date: 1605 (Part 1), 1615 (Part 2)
Estimated Sales: 800+ Million
Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes is a classified novel that combines elements of adventure, comedy, and social commentary. One of the best-selling books of all time is an excellent example of Spanish literature from the Golden Age.
Don Quixote is a story about a silly knight who tries to bring back chivalry. Along with his funny adventures, Cervantes talks about reality versus imagination, morals, and how books can affect us. Many people think it’s one of the best fiction books ever because it’s always funny and makes us think.
4. A Tale of Two Cities
Author: Charles Dickens
Country: England
Publication Date: 1859
Estimated Sales: 200 Million
“A Tale of Two Cities”, a popular novel written by Charles Dickens, is based on the story of London and Paris during the French Revolution. It follows the lives of several characters, including Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat, and Sidney Carton, a disorganized English lawyer. The story explores themes of sacrifice, resurrection, and contradiction between social classes, reaching a powerful climax at the height of the revolution.
5. The Lord of the Rings
Author: John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
Country: England
Publication Date: 1954
Estimated Sales: 150 Million
“The Lord of the Rings” J.R.R. is a timeless epic fantasy written by. Tolkien. Set in the fantasy world of Middle-earth, it follows Frodo Baggins’ dangerous journey to destroy the One Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron. Filled with a rich mythology, diverse characters, and themes of friendship, courage, and sacrifice, it has enthralled readers around the world since its publication in 1954 and is one of the best-selling books ever written.
6. The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince)
Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Country: France
Publication Date: 1943
Estimated Sales: 140 Million
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince” is a story about innocence, imagination, and the importance of human relationships. Through encounters with various characters, including the fox and Rose, the story highlights themes of love, friendship, and the complexities of adulthood.
Its poignant story and charming illustrations mesmerize readers of all ages and leave an indelible impression on their hearts and minds, making it in the list of all time best-selling books.
7. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Author: J. K. Rowling
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1997
Estimated Sales: 120 Million
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by. J.K. Rowling is a beautiful story of magic, friendship, and self-discovery. The book tells of a boy named Harry who discovers that he is a wizard. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The story is about their adventures and friendship there. Many people like it because of its magical world and interesting characters.
This book introduces readers to a magical universe that continues to enchant audiences of all ages around the world. It is the best book in fantasy literature, also among the best-selling books, and has sold over 120 million copies.
8. And Then There Were None
Author: Agatha Christie
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1939
Estimated Sales: 100 Million
“And Then There Were None” is a classic mystery novel by English author Agatha Christie, known for her detective and adventure novels. Set on a secluded island, ten strangers are invited under false pretenses and find themselves accused of past crimes. As they begin to die one by one, the survivors realize that the killer must be among them. With suspenseful twists and turns, Christie skillfully crafts a tale of deception, crime, and the consequences of one’s actions.
It became one of the best-selling books and author Christy described this classic mystery as the most difficult book to write, she has ever written.
