In this article, we have listed the top 10 best-selling books of all time, starting with the Bible, which has sold over five billion copies worldwide. The list also includes political and philosophical books like Quotations from the Works of Mao Tse-tung, religious texts like The Quran, literary classics like Don Quixote and Dream of the Red Chamber, and modern bestsellers like Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. These books have sold millions of copies and continue to have an impact on readers worldwide. Books teach, entertain and give us a glimpse into the human soul, and these top 10 best-sellers are a testament to the enduring popularity of literature.
Top 10 Best-Selling Books of All Time
Every bibliophile knows that reading is a fantastic way to explore different worlds and learn new perspectives, but did you realize it also contributes to an industry worth billions of dollars? Books have become a crucial part of our lives, with millions of copies of different genres and authors being published every year. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list ranking the top 10 best-selling books of all time, providing a glimpse of the most read and cherished books in the world.
1. The Bible
The Bible is the undisputed champion when it comes to book sales, having sold more than five billion copies worldwide, according to Guinness World Records. This religious text is considered the holy book by Christians and has been translated into more than 500 languages globally.
2. Quotations from the Works of Mao Tse-tung
Believe it or not, the second-most-read book internationally is a philosophical and political book written by Chinese military strategist Mao Zedong. The book contains a compilation of numerous political speeches and sociology lectures by Mao and was published in 1964. It has sold approximately 900 million copies globally, and it has been translated into over 30 languages.
3. The Quran
The Quran is the religious book of the Muslim community, and its roots stretch back more than 1,400 years. It is believed to be a timeless and holy book with approximately 800 million copies sold worldwide, and it has been translated into dozens of languages.
4. Xinhua Zidian (New Edition)
Xinhua Zidian is considered the most popular Chinese dictionary used globally, with approximately 400 million copies sold to date. It was first published in 1957, and the updated edition was released in September 1998.
5. Don Quixote
Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote is the oldest novel on this list and is considered foundational to the modern Western novel. Since it was first published in two volumes in 1605 and 1615, it has sold more than 500 million copies globally and has been translated into various languages.
6. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
J.K. Rowling’s debut novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was initially published in 1997, and it has since become one of the most beloved series of books ever, selling approximately 120 million copies worldwide.
7. And Then There Were None
Agatha Christie, known as the queen of mystery, has sold over two billion copies of her books worldwide, and And Then There Were None is her most read mystery. The book has sold only around 100 million copies but is still one of the highest-selling books worldwide.
8. Dream of the Red Chamber
Dream of the Red Chamber is a Chinese literary classic written by Cao Xueqin in the 18th century. It is often considered one of the most significant works of Chinese fiction and has sold around 100 million copies.
9. The Hobbit
J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit follows the adventure of Bilbo Baggins and is considered a classic work in the fantasy genre. First published in 1937, it has sold over 100 million copies worldwide.
10. She: A History of Adventure
H. Rider Haggard’s novel tells the tale of explorer Leo Vincey’s quest for the mysterious “She” in the heart of Africa. It was first published in 1887 and has since sold approximately 100 million copies worldwide.
Conclusion
These works have stood the test of time and continue to capture the imagination of readers worldwide. Whether it is revered religious texts or modern literary classics, books are a vital part of our lives – they teach, they entertain, and they offer windows into the human soul.