Which Books Have Sold The Most Copies In History?

People around the world read books for entertainment and inspiration, but only a rare few reach hundreds of millions of readers across generations, languages, and continents. Some of those titles became global phenomena, and they continue to resonate worldwide. Here’s a look at ten books that have sold the most copies in history.

The Bible

When Gutenberg introduced movable metal type in the 1450s to print the Bible, he changed history. Suddenly, what had once been an exclusive text became widely accessible. That single breakthrough turned the Bible into the world’s most distributed book, with more than 3,000 translations and billions of copies in circulation.

The Quran

Central to Islamic faith, the Quran is regarded as the direct word of God, revealed and preserved in its original Arabic. With 114 surahs, or chapters, it covers nearly every aspect of Muslim life. Its lyrical recitation in daily prayers connects millions across cultures and generations.

Quotations From Chairman Mao Tse-Tung

The “Little Red Book” carried enormous influence. This pocket-sized collection of Mao Zedong’s words became the foundation of Maoist ideology during China’s Cultural Revolution. With hundreds of millions of copies in circulation, it became a fixture in households, classrooms, and even military training.

Harry Potter Series

Today, the Harry Potter series is a cultural landmark for generations of readers. What started in 1997 with “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” quickly turned into a worldwide phenomenon. Across seven novels, J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world sold an astonishing 600 million copies and was translated into more than 80 languages.

The Lord Of The Rings

Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” released between 1954 and 1955, invited readers into a world unlike any other. In these three volumes, Middle-earth came alive with hobbits, elves, and epic battles of good versus evil. With more than 150 million copies sold, its magic continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

The Hobbit

Before “The Lord of the Rings” ever existed, there was “The Hobbit.” Published in 1937, this enchanting tale about Bilbo Baggins’ unexpected adventure laid the foundation for Tolkien’s larger Middle-earth saga. The book has sold more than 100 million copies, and its animated and live-action adaptations keep the story alive for new generations.

The Little Prince

First published in 1943, “Le Petit Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupery may have begun as a French children’s story, but soon, it became so much more. The book has sold over 200 million copies and been translated into more than 600 languages, which makes it the best-selling children’s book in history. Its simple yet profound lessons about love and life resonate far beyond childhood.

A Tale Of Two Cities

When Charles Dickens released “A Tale of Two Cities” in 1859, he gave the world both a stirring tale and one of literature’s most iconic openings. The novel’s vivid portrayal of the French Revolution has helped it reach more than 200 million readers.

The Alchemist

When Paulo Coelho released “The Alchemist” in 1988, few could have imagined how far it would travel. Now with 100 million copies sold and translations in more than 80 languages, this philosophical tale about following one’s dreams has become one of the most successful books of all time.

Don Quixote

Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote” reshaped storytelling itself. This book was released in two parts, in 1605 and 1615. The tale follows a delusional knight convinced he is destined for greatness. His misadventures turned the novel into a classic. Having sold around 500 million copies, it stands as one of the most influential works in Western literature.