The 25 Best-Selling Books Of All Time

This compilation of the 25 best-selling books of all time presents a unique challenge. The complexities of tracking sales across centuries, considering various editions, translations, and distribution methods, make definitive rankings impossible. Inaccurate record-keeping and promotional exaggerations further complicate the task. Therefore, this list employs specific criteria:

We focus solely on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help books, political works, and reference materials (noteworthy exclusions include The Bible and Mao Tse-tung's Little Red Book, both likely top contenders). Certain influential titles like The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo are omitted due to challenges in quantifying their original serialized formats and sourcing reliable historical sales data respectively.

The following list presents estimated sales figures, acknowledging inherent uncertainties:

25. Anne of Green Gables

### Anne of Green Gables

20See it at AmazonAuthor: L.M. Montgomery

Country: Canada

Publication Date: 1908

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

This beloved children's classic chronicles the adventures of a spirited orphan in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. The heartwarming bond between Anne and her foster parents propelled its immense popularity, spawning seven sequels (eight including a posthumous release).

24. Heidi

### Heidi

6See it at AmazonAuthor: Johanna Spyri

Country: Switzerland

Publication Date: 1880-1881

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

This children's story follows an orphan's journey, from her upbringing with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps to her experiences with a wealthy, disabled girl in Frankfurt. Their friendship forms the core of this heartwarming tale.

23. Lolita

### Lolita

9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1955

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Initially met with publisher hesitation due to its controversial subject matter—a professor's obsession with a 12-year-old girl—Nabokov's masterpiece has since been adapted into plays, operas, and films, solidifying its place in literary history.

22. One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad)

### One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad)

6See it at AmazonAuthor: Gabriel García Márquez

Country: Colombia

Publication Date: 1967

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Márquez's epic novel, infused with magical realism, traces the multi-generational saga of the Buendía family and their fictional town, Macondo. The cyclical nature of their triumphs and tragedies creates a compelling narrative.

21. Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

### Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

6See it at AmazonAuthor: Lew Wallace

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1880

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

This historical novel intertwines the life of Judah Ben-Hur with the era of Jesus Christ, culminating in a memorable depiction of the Crucifixion. Its enduring popularity is further cemented by the iconic film adaptation starring Charlton Heston.

20. The Bridges of Madison County

### The Bridges of Madison County

13See it at AmazonAuthor: Robert James Waller

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1992

Estimated Sales: 60 million copies

This romance novel portrays a passionate affair between an Italian-American war bride and a traveling photographer. Its cinematic adaptation starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and subsequent Broadway musical adaptation, contributed significantly to its widespread appeal.

(The remaining entries continue in a similar format, paraphrasing and restructuring the original text while maintaining the original image placement and format.)