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Despite the digital era, there are still millions of people who prefer to read. According to a study, people mentioned that reading a book is their way of escaping reality, becoming immersed in another world, and the enjoyment they get from using their imaginations. Are you an avid reader too? If yes, then you must have read a lot of books. But do you know which is the most selling book of all time? On today’s occasion of National Book Lover’s Day, let’s explore the most selling books of all time.
List of 15 Best Selling Books Of All Time
“When in doubt, go to the library.”- Harry Potter. A report revealed that learning, gaining knowledge, and discovering information are one of the major reasons for reading a book. This is the reason why a lot of books managed to sell a huge amount of copies worldwide. Here’s a list of the 15 best-selling books of all time:
| Book | Buying Link |
| A Tale of Two Cities | Click here to buy |
| Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone | Click here to buy |
| And Then There Were None | Click here to buy |
| The Hobbit | Click here to buy |
| The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe | Click here to buy |
| The Da Vinci Code | Click here to buy |
| Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets | Click here to buy |
| Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | Click here to buy |
| Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | Click here to buy |
| Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix | Click here to buy |
| Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince | Click here to buy |
| Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows | Click here to buy |
| The Bridge of Madison County | Click here to buy |
| The Eagle has Landed | Click here to buy |
| Watership Down | Click here to buy |
A Tale of Two Cities
Having a sale of 200 million copies, the book named “A Tale of Two Cities” was published in 1859. Written by Charles Dickens, the book was set before and after the French Revolution. Charles mentions the tale of a French Doctor Manette and his 18-year-long imprisonment in Paris. The book revolves around his release to live in London with his daughter Lucie whom he never met. The book also showcases the conditions that led up to the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
One of the most loved books of our generation, the Harry Potter Series, is one of the most selling books of all time with over 120 million copies. Published in 1997 by J.K Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the first book in the series and is the author’s debut novel. The book revolves around a young wizard, Harry Potter who discovers his magical heritage on his 11th birthday when he receives a letter of acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. At Hogwarts, Harry Potter makes close friends and a few enemies during his first year at the school and with the help of his friends, he faces an attempted comeback by the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who killed Harry’s parents, but failed to kill Harry when he was just 15 months old.
Play the Ultimate Harry Potter Quiz Now!
And Then There Were None
Authored by Agatha Christie, the book was published in 1939. This best-selling book was first published in the UK under the name “Ten Little Niggers” after the children’s counting rhyme and minstrel song, which serves as a major plot in the book. “And then there were none” is the world’s best-selling mystery that sold over 100 million copies. The author said that this book was the most difficult for her to write.
The Hobbit
A child fantasy novel, published by J. R. R. Tolkien in 1937. The author tells the tale of her fictional universe and follows the quest of home-loving Bilbo Baggins, the titular hobbit, to win a share of the treasure guarded by a dragon named Smaug. Bilbo’s journey takes him from his light-hearted, rural surroundings into the more sinister territory. The book is an episodic quest and to date remains the most popular classic in children’s literature. The Hobbit carries a great legacy and has been adapted numerous times. The Lord of the Rings is often claimed to be its greatest legacy.
Also Read: The Ultimate Checklist for English Speaking Books 2022!
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
C. S. Lewis published the book in 1950, with over 85 million copies sold. The book was originally the first of the popular series although it was originally named the first of “The Chronicles of Narnia”. The majority of the book is set in Narnia, a land of talking animals and mythical creatures that is ruled by the evil White Witch. The book has also been adapted in a variety of media such as Television, theatre, audio and movies. The movie version, known as The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, produced by Walt Disney was released in 2005.
The Da Vinci Code
Also Read: Best Books on Indian History
A mystery thriller, published in 2003, The Da Vinci Code is a best-selling book that revolves around an alternative religious history. The book showcases the Merovingian kings of France who were descended from the bloodline of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene. The book has also been adapted in the Tom Hanks starring- The Da Vinci Code, released in 2006. The movie was directed by the Academy Award Winner Ron Howard.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter yet again makes it to the list. Published in 1998, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second novel in the series and sold 77 million copies. The book revolves around Harry’s second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, during which a series of messages on the walls of the school’s corridors warns that the “Chamber of Secrets” has been opened and that the “heir of Slytherin” would kill all pupils who do not come from all-magical families. These threats are found after attacks that leave residents of the school petrified. Throughout the year, Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione investigate the attacks.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Third, in the series of our favourite- Harry Potter, the book was published in 1999 with over 65 million copies sold. The plot revolves around Harry Potter, a young wizard, in his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Along with friends Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry investigates Sirius Black, an escaped prisoner from Azkaban, the wizard prison, believed to be one of Lord Voldemort’s old allies.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The book follows Harry Potter, a wizard in his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the mystery surrounding the entry of Harry’s name into the Triwizard Tournament, in which he is forced to compete.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Fifth in the Harry Potter Series, the book was published in 2003 followed by Harry Potter’s struggles through his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, including the surreptitious return of the antagonist Lord Voldemort, O.W.L. exams, and an obstructive Ministry of Magic. It sold 5 million copies within 24 hours of its publication.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Sixth in the Harry Potter series, the book was published in 2005 and sold 9 million copies within 24 hours of its release. The book is set in the past of the boy wizard’s nemesis, Lord Voldemort, and Harry’s preparations for the final battle against Voldemort alongside his headmaster and mentor Albus Dumbledore.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Breaking the record of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the book holds a Guinness World Record for most novels sold within 24 hours of its release. The plot follows the aftermath of Dumbledore’s death when Voldemort takes control of the Ministry of Magic. Meanwhile, Harry is about to turn seventeen and will lose his deceased mother’s protection.
The Bridges of Madison County
1992’s best-selling romance novel, The Bridges of Madison County depicts the tale of a married Italian-American woman living in Madison County in the 1960s. While her husband and children are away at the State Fair, she engages in an affair with a National Geographic photographer from Bellingham, Washington, who is visiting Madison County to create a photographic essay on the covered bridges in the area. The protagonist is a World War II Bride but the story is entirely fiction. It is considered one of the bestselling books of the 20th century, with 60 million copies sold across the globe. It was also adapted in the media in 1995 under the same name and starred the Oscar Winning Actress- Meryl Streep.
Black Beauty
Written by an English Author, Anna Sewell, Black Beauty was published during the last years of her life, a phase where she was bedridden and seriously ill. Black Beauty is known as one of the first fictional animal autobiographies. The book depicts the tale of animal cruelty and its impact on animals, the animal here is a horse named- Black Beauty. With 50 million copies sold, Black Beauty is one of the best-selling books of all time. However, the author died 5 months after the release of her only novel.
The Eagle Has Landed
Published in 1975, the book is set during World War II. Author Jack Higgins makes use of the false document technique. The book starts by describing his discovery of the concealed grave of thirteen German paratroopers in an English graveyard. Being set in World War II, the book remains one of the best-selling books of all time with 50 million copies sold worldwide.
Watership Down
An adventure novel published by Richard Adams in 1972, Watership Down depicts a small group of rabbits who live in their natural wild environment, with burrows, having their own culture, language, proverbs, poetry, and mythology. Watership Down was the author’s first-ever Nobel and was rejected by several publications. But the novel still managed to win the prestigious Guardian Prize in the UK after the publication company, Collings, accepted the novel. Watership Down is said to have sold approximately 50 million copies worldwide. The book has also been adapted in the media and was depicted in a Drama released on Netflix in 2018.
Authentic plots and unique characters are the reasons why these books managed to reach a million copies and become best-selling books. Creativity is what distinguishes these books from the rest. Let us know which book is your favourite in the comment section below.
Despite the digital era, there are still millions of people who prefer to read. According to a study, people mentioned that reading a book is their way of escaping reality, becoming immersed in another world, and the enjoyment they get from using their imaginations. Are you an avid reader too? If yes, then you must have read a lot of books. But do you know which is the most selling book of all time? On today’s occasion of National Book Lover’s Day, let’s explore the most selling books of all time.
List of 15 Best Selling Books Of All Time
“When in doubt, go to the library.”- Harry Potter. A report revealed that learning, gaining knowledge, and discovering information are one of the major reasons for reading a book. This is the reason why a lot of books managed to sell a huge amount of copies worldwide. Here’s a list of the 15 best-selling books of all time:
| Book | Buying Link |
| A Tale of Two Cities | Click here to buy |
| Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone | Click here to buy |
| And Then There Were None | Click here to buy |
| The Hobbit | Click here to buy |
| The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe | Click here to buy |
| The Da Vinci Code | Click here to buy |
| Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets | Click here to buy |
| Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | Click here to buy |
| Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | Click here to buy |
| Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix | Click here to buy |
| Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince | Click here to buy |
| Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows | Click here to buy |
| The Bridge of Madison County | Click here to buy |
| The Eagle has Landed | Click here to buy |
| Watership Down | Click here to buy |
A Tale of Two Cities
Having a sale of 200 million copies, the book named “A Tale of Two Cities” was published in 1859. Written by Charles Dickens, the book was set before and after the French Revolution. Charles mentions the tale of a French Doctor Manette and his 18-year-long imprisonment in Paris. The book revolves around his release to live in London with his daughter Lucie whom he never met. The book also showcases the conditions that led up to the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
One of the most loved books of our generation, the Harry Potter Series, is one of the most selling books of all time with over 120 million copies. Published in 1997 by J.K Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the first book in the series and is the author’s debut novel. The book revolves around a young wizard, Harry Potter who discovers his magical heritage on his 11th birthday when he receives a letter of acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. At Hogwarts, Harry Potter makes close friends and a few enemies during his first year at the school and with the help of his friends, he faces an attempted comeback by the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who killed Harry’s parents, but failed to kill Harry when he was just 15 months old.
Play the Ultimate Harry Potter Quiz Now!
And Then There Were None
Authored by Agatha Christie, the book was published in 1939. This best-selling book was first published in the UK under the name “Ten Little Niggers” after the children’s counting rhyme and minstrel song, which serves as a major plot in the book. “And then there were none” is the world’s best-selling mystery that sold over 100 million copies. The author said that this book was the most difficult for her to write.
The Hobbit
A child fantasy novel, published by J. R. R. Tolkien in 1937. The author tells the tale of her fictional universe and follows the quest of home-loving Bilbo Baggins, the titular hobbit, to win a share of the treasure guarded by a dragon named Smaug. Bilbo’s journey takes him from his light-hearted, rural surroundings into the more sinister territory. The book is an episodic quest and to date remains the most popular classic in children’s literature. The Hobbit carries a great legacy and has been adapted numerous times. The Lord of the Rings is often claimed to be its greatest legacy.
Also Read: The Ultimate Checklist for English Speaking Books 2022!
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
C. S. Lewis published the book in 1950, with over 85 million copies sold. The book was originally the first of the popular series although it was originally named the first of “The Chronicles of Narnia”. The majority of the book is set in Narnia, a land of talking animals and mythical creatures that is ruled by the evil White Witch. The book has also been adapted in a variety of media such as Television, theatre, audio and movies. The movie version, known as The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, produced by Walt Disney was released in 2005.
The Da Vinci Code
Also Read: Best Books on Indian History
A mystery thriller, published in 2003, The Da Vinci Code is a best-selling book that revolves around an alternative religious history. The book showcases the Merovingian kings of France who were descended from the bloodline of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene. The book has also been adapted in the Tom Hanks starring- The Da Vinci Code, released in 2006. The movie was directed by the Academy Award Winner Ron Howard.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter yet again makes it to the list. Published in 1998, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second novel in the series and sold 77 million copies. The book revolves around Harry’s second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, during which a series of messages on the walls of the school’s corridors warns that the “Chamber of Secrets” has been opened and that the “heir of Slytherin” would kill all pupils who do not come from all-magical families. These threats are found after attacks that leave residents of the school petrified. Throughout the year, Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione investigate the attacks.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Third, in the series of our favourite- Harry Potter, the book was published in 1999 with over 65 million copies sold. The plot revolves around Harry Potter, a young wizard, in his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Along with friends Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry investigates Sirius Black, an escaped prisoner from Azkaban, the wizard prison, believed to be one of Lord Voldemort’s old allies.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The book follows Harry Potter, a wizard in his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the mystery surrounding the entry of Harry’s name into the Triwizard Tournament, in which he is forced to compete.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Fifth in the Harry Potter Series, the book was published in 2003 followed by Harry Potter’s struggles through his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, including the surreptitious return of the antagonist Lord Voldemort, O.W.L. exams, and an obstructive Ministry of Magic. It sold 5 million copies within 24 hours of its publication.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Sixth in the Harry Potter series, the book was published in 2005 and sold 9 million copies within 24 hours of its release. The book is set in the past of the boy wizard’s nemesis, Lord Voldemort, and Harry’s preparations for the final battle against Voldemort alongside his headmaster and mentor Albus Dumbledore.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Breaking the record of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the book holds a Guinness World Record for most novels sold within 24 hours of its release. The plot follows the aftermath of Dumbledore’s death when Voldemort takes control of the Ministry of Magic. Meanwhile, Harry is about to turn seventeen and will lose his deceased mother’s protection.
The Bridges of Madison County
1992’s best-selling romance novel, The Bridges of Madison County depicts the tale of a married Italian-American woman living in Madison County in the 1960s. While her husband and children are away at the State Fair, she engages in an affair with a National Geographic photographer from Bellingham, Washington, who is visiting Madison County to create a photographic essay on the covered bridges in the area. The protagonist is a World War II Bride but the story is entirely fiction. It is considered one of the bestselling books of the 20th century, with 60 million copies sold across the globe. It was also adapted in the media in 1995 under the same name and starred the Oscar Winning Actress- Meryl Streep.
Black Beauty
Written by an English Author, Anna Sewell, Black Beauty was published during the last years of her life, a phase where she was bedridden and seriously ill. Black Beauty is known as one of the first fictional animal autobiographies. The book depicts the tale of animal cruelty and its impact on animals, the animal here is a horse named- Black Beauty. With 50 million copies sold, Black Beauty is one of the best-selling books of all time. However, the author died 5 months after the release of her only novel.
The Eagle Has Landed
Published in 1975, the book is set during World War II. Author Jack Higgins makes use of the false document technique. The book starts by describing his discovery of the concealed grave of thirteen German paratroopers in an English graveyard. Being set in World War II, the book remains one of the best-selling books of all time with 50 million copies sold worldwide.
Watership Down
An adventure novel published by Richard Adams in 1972, Watership Down depicts a small group of rabbits who live in their natural wild environment, with burrows, having their own culture, language, proverbs, poetry, and mythology. Watership Down was the author’s first-ever Nobel and was rejected by several publications. But the novel still managed to win the prestigious Guardian Prize in the UK after the publication company, Collings, accepted the novel. Watership Down is said to have sold approximately 50 million copies worldwide. The book has also been adapted in the media and was depicted in a Drama released on Netflix in 2018.
Authentic plots and unique characters are the reasons why these books managed to reach a million copies and become best-selling books. Creativity is what distinguishes these books from the rest. Let us know which book is your favourite in the comment section below.
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