From Cervantes to Rowling, literature has the power to captivate readers and transcend time and space. This list of the 10 bestselling books of all time offers a glimpse into the global literary canon and the stories that have captured the hearts and imaginations of readers for decades, if not centuries. These works, ranging from epic fantasy trilogies to thought-provoking philosophical novels, are not only beloved by millions of readers but also reflect the cultural and literary traditions of their respective regions. What makes them enduring classics is their ability to resonate with readers of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs, inspiring and entertaining generations to come.

The Top 10 Bestselling Books of All Time

When it comes to evaluating the most popular and influential books throughout history, the global bestseller list is an excellent place to start. Here, in descending order, is a list of the top 10 bestselling books of all time.

10. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis

With well over 85 million copies sold worldwide, C.S. Lewis’s timeless tale of four siblings who tumble into an enchanted world has become a classic that continues to captivate readers of all ages.

9. The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved fantasy tale of Bilbo Baggins and his encounters with goblins, trolls, and a dragon has sold an estimated 100 million copies since its publication in 1937.

8. She: A History of Adventure – H. Rider Haggard

First published in 1887, H. Rider Haggard’s adventure novel about a lost African kingdom and a powerful queen named Ayesha has been translated into dozens of languages and sold over 100 million copies.

7. The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown

Dan Brown’s 2003 thriller about a religious conspiracy involving the Catholic Church and the supposed descendants of Jesus and Mary Magdalene has sold more than 80 million copies worldwide.

6. The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho’s philosophical novel about a shepherd boy who pursues his dreams has sold more than 65 million copies worldwide and been translated into 80 languages.

5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling’s beloved first novel in the Harry Potter series has sold over 107 million copies worldwide and launched a cultural phenomenon that continues to influence and inspire generations of readers.

4. And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery, which follows the gruesome deaths of ten strangers on a remote island, has sold over 100 million copies since its publication in 1939.

3. The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

First published in French in 1943, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s novella about a young prince’s journey across the galaxy has sold over 140 million copies and been translated into more than 300 languages.

2. The Lord of the Rings – J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy trilogy, which chronicles the quest of a hobbit to destroy an evil ring, has sold over 150 million copies worldwide and continues to inspire readers and filmmakers alike.

1. Don Quixote – Miguel de Cervantes

With an estimated 500 million copies sold worldwide, Miguel de Cervantes’s novel about a deluded knight and his hapless squire is not only the bestselling book of all time but also one of the most influential works of fiction ever written.

In conclusion, while different cultures and regions have their own favorite books, these 10 works are universally acclaimed, timeless, and have impacted the lives of millions of people across the globe.