Top 10 Best-Selling Books

Books have always been a source of inspiration and knowledge for people of all ages. They have the power to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to new ideas, and help us escape reality for a while. With so many books available in the market, it can be difficult to choose which ones to read. That's why, in this blog, we've compiled a list of the top 10 best-selling books of all time. From classic novels to contemporary bestsellers, this list includes a mix of fiction and non-fiction titles that have captured the hearts and minds of readers everywhere. Whether you're a lifelong bookworm or just starting to build your library, this list is sure to provide you with some excellent reading recommendations.

1. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes - 500 million copies

Year: 1605 (1st Part), 1615 (2nd Part)

Don Quixote is a classic novel written by Miguel de Cervantes and published in two parts in 1605 and 1615. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest works of Spanish literature and is often referred to as the first modern European novel. The story follows the adventures of Alonso Quixano, a gentleman from La Mancha, Spain, who becomes so enamored with the tales of knights and chivalry that he decides to become a knight-errant himself and set out on a series of adventures with his loyal squire, Sancho Panza. Along the way, Don Quixote encounters a series of misadventures, battles with windmills that he believes to be giants, and a series of other comical and absurd situations.

The novel is known for its witty, humorous, and satirical portrayal of chivalry, knighthood, and romance novels. It also explores themes of madness, reality, and the power of imagination. Don Quixote has been translated into numerous languages and continues to be widely read and studied to this day. Its enduring popularity and influence on Western literature have made it one of the most famous and well-known books in the world.

2. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens - 200 million copies

Year: 1859

"A Tale of Two Cities" is a historical novel by Charles Dickens, first published in 1859. The novel is set during the French Revolution and is centered around the lives of Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat, and Sydney Carton, a drunken lawyer, both of whom are in love with Lucie Manette. The story is set against the backdrop of the tumultuous events of the French Revolution, including the storming of the Bastille and the Reign of Terror, and explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of redemption.

Throughout the novel, Dickens contrasts the social and political conditions in Paris and London, painting a vivid picture of the stark contrast between the two cities. He also weaves a tale of love and sacrifice, as the two main characters find themselves facing life-altering decisions that will determine their fate and the fate of those they love. The novel is notable for its powerful, emotional prose, and its exploration of the complexities of the human experience.

3. The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry - 200 million copies

Year: 1943

"The Little Prince" is a novella written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and first published in 1943. The story is narrated by a pilot who, while stranded in the Sahara Desert, meets a young prince who has fallen to Earth from a small asteroid. The prince recounts his adventures traveling from planet to planet, each inhabited by a single adult, and shares the wisdom he has learned from these encounters.

The Little Prince is a philosophical and allegorical tale that explores themes of loneliness, love, and the meaning of life. It is a timeless story that appeals to both children and adults, touching on universal human experiences and emotions. The simple, yet profound, storytelling and the imaginative illustrations by Saint-Exupéry have made "The Little Prince" one of the most beloved and enduring books of the 20th century.

4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling - 120 million copies

Year: 1997

"Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" is the first novel in the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling and published in 1997. The book introduces the young wizard Harry Potter, who learns on his eleventh birthday that he is a famous wizard and has been accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry soon discovers that he is a famous and beloved figure in the wizarding world, and is soon caught up in a dangerous quest to find and destroy the powerful and mysterious Philosopher's Stone.

The book is a magical adventure that is filled with fantastic creatures, spells, and enchanted objects, as well as lessons about friendship, bravery, and the power of love. Throughout the series, Rowling creates a rich and detailed world of magic that is inhabited by complex and memorable characters. The story is both thrilling and heartwarming, with a plot that is both suspenseful and full of surprises.

5. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie - 100 million copies

Year: 1939

"And Then There Were None" is a mystery novel by British author Agatha Christie, first published in 1939. The book is considered one of Christie's best works and is one of the best-selling mystery novels of all time. The story takes place on an isolated island where ten strangers are invited for a weekend retreat. Upon their arrival, they discover that their host is absent and that they are being accused of murder. One by one, the guests are murdered, and it becomes clear that someone on the island is killing them according to the lines of a nursery rhyme.

The book is a classic whodunit, with a twisty plot that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed, and the story is set against a backdrop of tension and fear as the guests desperately try to uncover the murderer's identity before they become the next victim. The book is a masterclass in suspense and mystery, with a final twist that is both surprising and satisfying.

Dream of the Red Chamber (紅樓夢) by Cao Xueqin - 100 million copies

Year: 1791

"Dream of the Red Chamber" is a classic novel of Chinese literature, also known as "The Story of the Stone." It was written by the Qing dynasty writer Cao Xueqin and is considered one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. The book is a semi-autobiographical work that is set in the author's own time and is based on the lives of the wealthy Jia family. The story revolves around the love affair between Baoyu, the young master of the Jia household, and two cousins, Daiyu and Bao-yu.

The novel is known for its rich, complex narrative structure and its detailed descriptions of the lives and customs of the Chinese aristocracy. It is a social commentary that explores themes of love, family, and the search for meaning in life. The book is also noted for its rich, lyrical language, which has inspired generations of Chinese writers.

7. The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien - 100 million copies

Year: 1937

"The Hobbit" is a fantasy novel written by J.R.R. Tolkien and first published in 1937. The book is a prequel to Tolkien's later work "The Lord of the Rings" and tells the story of a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, who is recruited by the wizard Gandalf to embark on an adventure to recover a treasure guarded by a dragon named Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo encounters a variety of fantastical creatures, including dwarves, elves, goblins, and giant spiders, and must use his wit and courage to survive the journey and complete his quest.

The book is a classic of fantasy literature, and its imaginative world and memorable characters have inspired countless readers and writers. The story is full of humor, adventure, and wonder, and its themes of bravery, friendship, and the importance of home have made it a beloved classic for generations.

8. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis - 85 million copies

Year: 1950

"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is a fantasy novel written by C.S. Lewis and first published in 1950. The book is the first in "The Chronicles of Narnia" series and tells the story of four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—who are transported to a magical land called Narnia through a wardrobe in an old country house. In Narnia, they discover that the land is under the control of the evil White Witch and that they are destined to play a crucial role in the fate of Narnia. With the help of the lion Aslan, the siblings embark on a quest to defeat the White Witch and restore peace to Narnia.

The book is a classic of fantasy literature, and its imaginative world and memorable characters have inspired countless readers and writers. The story is full of adventure, magic, and wonder, and its themes of courage, sacrifice, and the power of love have made it a beloved classic for generations.

9. She: A History of Adventure by H. Rider Haggard - 83 million copies

Year: 1887

"She: A History of Adventure" is a classic novel of adventure and fantasy written by H. Rider Haggard. First published in 1887, the book tells the story of Horace Holly and Leo Vincey, who embark on a journey to the African interior in search of the fabled kingdom of the queen Ayesha, also known as "She." Along the way, they encounter a variety of dangers and obstacles, including hostile tribes and deadly beasts, and must use their wit and bravery to survive.

The book is noted for its vivid descriptions of adventure and its imaginative world-building, and its themes of courage, determination, and the search for knowledge have made it a classic of adventure literature. "She: A History of Adventure" was highly influential in its time, and its legacy can be seen in the works of other writers of adventure and fantasy, including Jules Verne and H.G. Wells.

10. Vardi Wala Gunda by Ved Prakash Sharma - 80 million copies

Year: 1992

"Vardi Wala Gunda" is a novel written by Ved Prakash Sharma, a popular Indian writer of crime fiction. I do not have specific information about the plot or themes of this particular work as my training data only goes up until 2021. However, Ved Prakash Sharma is well known for his crime and suspense novels, which often feature complex plots and strong characters. If you are a fan of the crime genre, "Vardi Wala Gunda" might be worth checking out.