Books are one of the most enduring forms of human expression, capturing the imagination, knowledge, and wisdom of different cultures and times. Some books have achieved such popularity and acclaim that they have become the best-selling books of all time, reaching millions or even billions of readers around the world. These books span various genres, languages, and periods, reflecting the diversity and richness of human literature. They have influenced generations of writers, thinkers, and artists, and have shaped the course of history and society. They have also entertained, educated, and inspired countless people, and have left a lasting legacy in the world of letters. In this introduction, we will explore the top 10 best-selling books of all time, based on the web search results, and learn more about their authors, stories, and impact.
| Book | Author | Genre | Language | Original Publication Date | Estimated Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don Quixote | Miguel de Cervantes | Novel | Spanish | 1605 (Part One), 1615 (Part Two) | 500 million |
| A Tale of Two Cities | Charles Dickens | Historical novel | English | 1859 | 200 million |
| The Lord of the Rings | J. R. R. Tolkien | Fantasy | English | 1954-1955 | 150 million |
| The Little Prince | Antoine de Saint-Exupéry | Novella | French | 1943 | 140 million |
| Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone | J. K. Rowling | Fantasy | English | 1997 | 120 million |
| And Then There Were None | Agatha Christie | Mystery | English | 1939 | 100 million |
| The Dream of the Red Chamber | Cao Xueqin | Novel | Chinese | 1791 | 100 million |
| The Hobbit | J. R. R. Tolkien | Fantasy | English | 1937 | 100 million |
| She: A History of Adventure | H. Rider Haggard | Adventure | English | 1887 | 100 million |
| The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe | C. S. Lewis | Fantasy | English | 1950 | 85 million |
