The best selling books in history are a diverse group, representing a wide range of genres, authors, and time periods. These books have resonated with readers around the world, selling millions of copies and becoming household names. Here are the top 10 best selling books in history:
Top 10 Best Selling Books in History
1. The Bible
With over 5 billion copies sold, the Bible is not only the best selling book in history, but it is also the most translated and printed book in the world. The Bible is a collection of 66 books, written by various authors over a period of 1,500 years. It is considered the holy scripture of the Christian faith and is revered as a source of divine guidance and inspiration.
2. The Quran
The Quran is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the word of God as revealed to the prophet Muhammad. It is the second best selling book in history, with over 1.8 billion copies sold. The Quran is divided into 114 chapters, called surahs, and is typically read in Arabic, although it has been translated into many other languages.
3. The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is a sacred text of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon church. It was first published in 1830 and has since sold over 170 million copies. The Book of Mormon is based on the teachings and experiences of ancient prophets in the Americas, and is considered by Mormons to be a supplement to the Bible.
4. Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung
Also known as the “Little Red Book,” Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung is a collection of statements and quotations from the Chinese communist leader, Mao Zedong. It was published in 1964 and has since sold over 900 million copies. The book was widely distributed during the Cultural Revolution in China and became a key part of the communist ideology.
5. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
The first book in the wildly popular Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was published in 1997 and has sold over 500 million copies worldwide. The book, and the series as a whole, follows the adventures of a young wizard, Harry Potter, as he navigates the magical world and fights against the dark forces that threaten it.
6. And Then There Were None
And Then There Were None is a mystery novel by Agatha Christie, first published in 1939. It has sold over 100 million copies and has been adapted into numerous stage and screen productions. The novel follows a group of strangers who are invited to a remote island and then systematically murdered, one by one.
7. A Tale of Two Cities
A Tale of Two Cities is a historical novel by Charles Dickens, first published in 1859. It has sold over 200 million copies and is considered one of the greatest novels of all time. The novel is set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution and follows the lives of several characters as they navigate the tumultuous events of the time.
8. The Catcher in the Rye
The Catcher in the Rye is a novel by J.D. Salinger, first published in 1951. It has sold over 65 million copies and has become a classic of modern literature. The novel tells the story of Holden Caulfield, a teenage rebel who is kicked out of prep school and wanders around New York City, trying to find his place in the world.
9. Don Quixote
Don Quixote is a novel by Miguel de Cervantes, first published in two parts in 1605 and 1615. It has sold over 500 million copies and is considered one of the greatest works of fiction of all time. The novel follows the adventures of a middle-aged man named Alonso Quixano, who becomes so enamored with the stories of knights and chivalry that he decides to become a knight-errant himself. Donning a suit of armor and mounting his horse Rocinante, Quixote sets out on a series of absurd and comical quests, accompanied by his faithful squire, Sancho Panza.
10. The Alchemist
The Alchemist is a novel by Paulo Coelho, first published in 1988. It has sold over 150 million copies and has been translated into over 80 languages. The novel tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy who embarks on a journey to find his personal legend, or the thing he was meant to do in life. Along the way, Santiago meets a variety of characters who help him understand the importance of following his dreams and listening to his heart.
These are the top 10 best selling books in history, a list that reflects the enduring power of literature to inspire and captivate readers around the world. From ancient religious texts to modern novels, these books have transcended language and cultural barriers, becoming beloved classics that will be read and re-read for generations to come.
