Out of all the books that have ever been publish, only a select few have gone on to become instant hits and classics. These best selling novels and books are typically some of the best example of literature with crafty sentences, compelling storylines, and amazing characters. Not many books have sold a few millions of copies, but the ones that have are the most successful books ever released. Due to the fact that these books have sold so many copies, they truly earn themselves a place in history and are remembered for years to come. We are going to take a look at the ten highest selling books of all-time.
10. Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill – 70 million copies sold
Released in 1937, this motivational book was inspired by Andrew Carnegie and helps the reader become successful in all aspects of life. Individuals with desire, faith and persistence can reach great heights by eliminating negative energy and thoughts and focusing on their greater goals. A true pioneer of the “self-help” genre of books.
9. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown – 80 million copies sold
This highly acclaimed and controversial novel follows the story of a symbolist who turns into a detective as he traces an old theory that Jesus was married to Mary Magdeline and follows their supposed lineage to modern day France.
8. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis – 85 million copies sold
This high fantasy novel was written for children and became an instant classic. It is set in Narnia, a land of talking animals and mythical creatures that has been ruled by the White Witch for 100 years of deep winter. The novel was so successful and loved that it was eventually adapted into a film series.
7. She: A History of Adventure by H. Rider Haggard – 100 million copies sold
This novel has never been out of print since it was first published in 1887. It follows the journey of Horace Holly and his ward Leo Vincey to a lost kingdom in the African interior. There, they encounter a primitive race of natives and a mysterious queen who reigns as the all-powerful “She”.
6. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – 100 million copies sold
Most people are familiar with The Hobbit and recently three films have come out based on the novel by Tolkien. This book follows the quest of home loving Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins as he tries to win a share of the treasure guarded by the dragon Smaug.
5. Dream of The Red Chamber by Cao Zueqin – 100 million copies sold
Believed to be autobiographical, this novel follows the rise and fall of the author’s family and in turn, highlights the eventual fall of the Qing dynasty. It is considered to be the masterpiece of Chinese literature.
4. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie – 100 million copies sold
Widely considered her masterpiece, this book follows the story of 10 people brought to an island under mysterious circumstances. All 10 are connected to various murders and have escaped justice. One by one, each are murdered although they are supposed to be the only people on the island.
3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling – 107 million copies sold
The book that started it all. This is the first novel in the Harry Potter series. In this book, we are introduced to young Harry Potter who discovers his wizard powers and attends Hogwarts where he meets other young wizards and comes to face the evil power of Voldemort and avenges his parents death.
2. Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupery – 140 million copies sold
With watercolor illustrations throughout the book from the author, this is a poetic story about a pilot who becomes stranded in the desert and meets a young prince fallen to Earth from a tiny asteroid. This little prince makes astute observations about life and human nature.
1. The Lord of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien – 150 million copies sold
A timeless fantasy staple. In this novel, a young Hobbit named Frodo embarks on a journey to destroy the One Ring and end Sauron’s reign over Middle Earth. The book is written in the style of high fantasy and has an almost cult-like following the world over. The books have been adapted into feature length films which did the novel great amounts of justice.
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