Top 10 Best-Selling Books of All Time
People read books for many reasons, some for knowledge, others for adventure, and many for a well-written story. Everyone has their own reasons but whether it’s a timeless classic, an entertainer, or a thrilling novel, books have shaped cultures and influenced people’s minds for generations. In this article, we will explore the top 10 most popular and best-selling books that have left an everlasting impact on readers around the world.
Best-selling books are not just stories; they are experiences. They can teach us a lot, inspire us, and sometimes even bring many changes to our lives. Let’s find out why these books are loved so much and have become the most popular and best-selling books in the world.
Disclaimer
This article is for general knowledge and entertainment purposes only. The rankings and summaries are based on widely available data and interpretations. The number of books sold is an estimate and may vary over time. We do not claim ownership of any book content mentioned. Readers are encouraged to explore the books for a deeper understanding.
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. ” – Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist is one of the most inspiring and best-selling books of all time. It tells the story of Santiago, a young shepherd who dreams of finding a hidden treasure. Encouraged by a mysterious king, he leaves his peaceful life behind and embarks on a journey full of adventure, wisdom, and self-discovery.
| Author | Country | Publish Year | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paulo Coelho | Brazil | 1988 | 115 M |
(Photo: Amazon)
Along the way, he meets interesting people, including an Englishman searching for the secrets of alchemy and a wise alchemist who helps him understand the true meaning of life. He also falls in love with a girl named Fatima and learns the importance of listening to his heart.
The book teaches us that when we truly desire something, the universe helps us achieve it. The Alchemist is a powerful story about following dreams, overcoming fears, and believing in destiny.
9. Vardi Wala Gunda by Ved Prakash Sharma
“Justice is not about power; it’s about doing what is right.”
Ved Prakash Sharma’s Uniform Wala Goonda is one of the best-selling books in Indian Hindi literature, with over 80 million copies sold.
This action-packed novel is the story of a brave police inspector who fights crime in his own unique and daring way. Unlike conventional law, he doesn’t always follow the rules but rather ensures that justice is done.
| Author | Country | Publish Year | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ved Prakash Sharma | India | 1992 | 80 M |
(Photo: Amazon)
The idea of ​​the book came to the author’s mind when he saw a drunk policeman misbehaving on the streets. The incident made him think about the misuse of power and inspired him to write an interesting story about “uniformed goons”. With thrilling twists, strong characters, and a powerful message, Uniform Wala Goonda became a huge hit among readers.
It remains a classic in Hindi pulp fiction, known for its engaging storyline and bold themes. If you love action, drama, and justice, this book is a must-read!
8. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
“The truth, however ugly in itself, is always curious and beautiful to the seeker.” – Agatha Christie
And Then There Were None is one of Agatha Christie’s most thrilling and best-selling books. The story begins when ten strangers are invited to a grand mansion on a remote island. They all happily arrive there hoping to relax and unwind, but soon they realize that something is very wrong.
| Author | Country | Publish Year | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agatha Christie | United Kingdom | 1939 | 100 M |
(Photo: Amazon)
A mysterious voice accuses each of them of their past crimes, and then one by one, they start dying mysteriously. The fear begins to spread among them, as the killer is one of them. With no way to escape and no one to trust, the survivors do their best to uncover the killer before it’s too late.
This novel is full of suspense, unexpected twists, and terrible justice. Christie has done a great job of keeping readers guessing until the very end. This is a perfect book for mystery lovers who enjoy stories of deception, revenge, and psychological tension. And Then There Were None remains a timeless classic in detective fiction.
7. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the first book in J.K. Rowling’s world-famous series and is one of the best-selling books of all time. It is the story of Harry Potter, an ordinary boy who lives with his unkind relatives, completely unaware of his true identity.
| Author | Country | Publish Year | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| J.K. Rowling | United Kingdom | 1997 | 120 M |
(Photo: Amazon)
On his 11th birthday, he receives the shocking news that he is a wizard. Soon, he is transported to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he becomes a prodigy like Ron and Hermione, learns magic, and discovers his connection to the dark wizard Voldemort. As Harry adjusts to his new life, he uncovers the mystery of the Sorcerer’s Stone, a powerful object hidden within Hogwarts. Danger and hidden truths begin to unfold around him. He must be brave and clever to stop Voldemort from regaining power.
Filled with adventure, friendship, and magic, this book introduces readers to a different, beautiful world. This is a great book for anyone who loves fantasy, mystery, and the power of believing in yourself.
6. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” – The Little Prince
The Little Prince, written by Antoine de Saint-Exup̩ry, is a beautiful and meaningful story about life, love, and friendship. The story begins when a pilot crashes his plane in the Sahara Desert. There, he meets a strange but charming boy Рthe Little Prince Рwho comes from a small planet.
| Author | Country | Publish Year | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint-Exupery | France | 1943 | 140 M |
(Photo: Amazon)
As they talk, the prince shares stories of his visits to different planets, where he meets a king, a proud man, a merchant, and others. Each encounter teaches him a lesson about human nature. He also tells the pilot about a special rose left on his planet and how he learned the true meaning of love and responsibility.
Through simple but deep conversations, the book made us see the world with the heart of a child and value the things that matter. The Little Prince is a timeless story that touches the hearts of people of all ages, encouraging us to look beyond what we see.
5. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” – Galadriel
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an epic fantasy tale about bravery, friendship, and the battle between good and evil. The story centres on Frodo Baggins, an ordinary hobbit who is given a powerful and dangerous object, the One Ring.
With more than 150 million copies sold, this is one of the best-selling books of all time.
| Author | Country | Publish Year | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| J.R.R. Tolkien | United Kingdom | 1954 | 150 M |
(Photo: Amazon)
The ring belongs to the Dark Lord Sauron, who wants to use it to rule the world. The only way to stop him is to destroy the ring at Mount Doom, where it was created.
Frodo embarks on this dangerous journey with his loyal friends, Sam, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. Along the way, they encounter deadly creatures, fierce battles, and moments of doubt. But through courage and unity, they move forward.
The story teaches us that even ordinary people can do great things. The Lord of the Rings is a timeless tale filled with adventure, magic, and the power of hope.
4. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” – Charles Dickens
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is a powerful story set during the French Revolution. The novel takes place in two cities, London and Paris, where people are facing great change and danger.
| Author | Country | Publish Year | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Dickens | United Kingdom | 1859 | 200 M |
(Photo: Amazon)
The story revolves around Charles Darnay, a kind and honourable man from France, and Sydney Carton, a troubled but intelligent lawyer from England. Both men are in love with Lucie Manette, a gentle and caring woman.
As the revolution turns violent, Charles is arrested in Paris because of his family’s past. Lucie and her father do their best to save him. In a courageous and unexpected act, Sydney Carton, who once lived without a purpose, sacrifices himself to save Charles. He takes Charles’ place, proving that love and selflessness can bring salvation.
This novel is a story of sacrifice, justice, and hope during difficult times. It reminds us that even in the dark, acts of kindness and courage can shine.
3. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
“When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies?” – Miguel de Cervantes
Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes, is a famous Spanish novel full of adventure, humour, and important life lessons.
The story is based on an old man named Don Quixote, who reads so many books about knights that he thinks he is one too.
| Author | Country | Publish Year | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miguel de Cervantes | Spain | 1605 | 500 M |
(Photo: Amazon)
One day he dresses up in old armour, mounts his skinny horse, Rocinante, and sets out on a quest to bring justice to the world. His loyal but practical companion, Sancho Panza, accompanies him.
Don Quixote sees the world differently, mistaking windmills for giants and inns for castles. Although his actions seem foolish, he teaches us the value of dreams, courage, and hope. Sancho often tries to bring him back to reality, showing the difference between fantasy and truth.
This novel is both funny and meaningful, reminding us that while dreams are important, we must see the world as it is. Don Quixote is a timeless story about idealism, reality, and the power of believing in something bigger.
2. The Quran
“Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find peace.” – The Quran (13:28)
The Quran is the holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel). It is written in Arabic and is divided into 114 chapters (Surahs).
| Publish Year | Sales |
|---|---|
| 7th Century | 800+ M |
The Quran teaches about faith, kindness, justice, and the purpose of life. It guides Muslims on how to live a righteous life, emphasizing prayer, honesty, patience, and compassion toward others.
The Quran speaks about the oneness of Allah, the importance of doing good deeds, and the consequences of actions. It also shares stories of past prophets like Adam, Noah, Moses, and Jesus to teach important lessons. Muslims believe it is the final and most complete revelation, meant for all of humanity.
More than just a book, the Quran is a source of wisdom, peace, and guidance for those who follow its teachings. It remains central to the Islamic faith and daily life, bringing light to the hearts of believers.
1. The Holy Bible
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105
The Bible is the holy book of Christianity and one of the most widely read books in the world. The bible’s sacred text consists of two main parts – the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament contains stories of creation, the prophets, and the laws of God, while the New Testament focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
| Publish Year | Sales |
|---|---|
| 4th Century | 5+ B |
The Bible teaches about faith, love, mercy, and justice. It shares important lessons through parables, commandments, and historical events. One of its most famous stories is about Jesus Christ, who preached love and forgiveness, healed the sick, and sacrificed himself for humanity. His teachings continue to inspire millions today.
In addition to being a religious text, the Bible has shaped history, art, and culture. It provides spiritual guidance and wisdom to people seeking peace and purpose in life. For Christians, it is much more than a book – it is a path to faith, hope, and salvation.
SUMMARY
These best-selling books have been loved by people for many years. They share powerful stories, important lessons, and deep wisdom. Some, like The Bible and The Quran, guide people in faith and life. Others, like Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and The Alchemist, take readers on exciting adventures.
Books like The Little Prince teach about love and friendship, while A Tale of Two Cities, and And Then There Were None tell gripping stories of history and mystery. Don Quixote makes us laugh and think, and Vardi Wala Gunda is a thrilling tale of justice.
Each of these books has touched millions of hearts and continues to inspire people of all ages. They remind us that great stories never grow old, they stay with us forever, shaping our thoughts, dreams, and imaginations.
