Thrishala Jayasena
Top 10 Most Selling Books of All Time
Books are more than just bindings made of paper and ink. They are ways to enter other worlds, windows into other points of view, and keys to knowledge. From the ancient scrolls of wisdom to the contemporary tales that captivate our imaginations, books have been the path of civilization, preserving our history, and inspiring countless generations. Whether you seek adventure, enlightenment, or simply a moment of escape, the world of books offers a boundless expanse of possibilities, waiting to be explored. Therefore, open a cover, flip a page, and get ready to enter the fascinating world of books.
The books on the following list are the all-time best sellers; each of these classic bestsellers has sold hundreds of millions to more than a billion copies.
10.Scouting for Boys – Robert Baden – Powell
Scouting for Boys, First published in 1908, this manual by Robert Baden-Powell not only ignited the Scouting movement, but also became a global phenomenon, inspiring millions and shaping countless lives. Robert Baden-Powell, a decorated British Army officer, drew upon his experiences and observations in the Boer War to create a practical guide for boys. He recognized the need for young men to develop essential skills, moral character, and a sense of civic responsibility. Initially conceived as training aids for soldiers, he realized the potential of these skills to empower young people. The book wasn’t just a collection of survival tips. It was a blueprint for adventure, encouraging boys to explore the outdoors, learn practical skills like tracking, camping, and first aid, and develop qualities such as loyalty, courage, and resourcefulness. It has been translated into an astounding over 87 languages and having sold nearly 130 million copies.
More than just a manual, “Scouting for Boys” is a testament to the power of positive mentorship and the transformative potential of youth development. It remains a cornerstone of the Scouting movement, constantly evolving with the times, yet retaining the core principles of self-reliance, community service, and unwavering commitment to a better world.
9.Bhagavad Gita – By Krishna Dvaipayana
The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as simply “The Gita,” is more than just a sacred text; it’s a philosophical masterpiece, a practical guide to living a meaningful life, and a cornerstone of Hindu philosophy. Woven into the epic narrative of the Mahabharata, the Gita stands alone as a profound dialogue between Prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Krishna, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. While traditionally attributed to the sage Krishna Dvaipayana known as Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata, the exact authorship of the Bhagavad Gita remains a topic of scholarly debate. It is believed to have been composed sometime between the 5th and 2nd centuries BC.
The exact year of the first published edition is challenging due to the Gita’s long oral tradition. However, many scholars believe that the first printed edition of the Bhagavad Gita in Sanskrit, along with a commentary, appeared in the late 18th century. The Bhagavad Gita has been translated into more than 100 languages, and selling around 140 million copies. The Bhagavad Gita stands as a testament to the enduring power of ancient
wisdom. Its profound teachings on duty, devotion, and self-realization continue to inspire and guide individuals on their spiritual journey.
8.The Alchemist – By Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist is a philosophical and allegorical novel that follows the journey of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who dreams of traveling the world in search of treasure. His recurring dream prompts him to seek guidance from a Gypsy woman, who interprets it as a prophecy of a treasure waiting for him near the Egyptian pyramids. Ultimately, Santiago’s journey is not just about finding gold. It’s about discovering his Personal Legend – his true purpose in life. He faces trials, learns to trust his instincts, and understands that the greatest treasures are often found within oneself and in the experiences along the path. The book was written by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho and firstly published in 1988 in Portuguese, having sold around 150 million copies. The Alchemist holds the Guinness World Record for being translated into the most languages for a book by a living author. It has been translated into over 80 languages.
The Alchemist has resonated with readers across cultures and generations due to its simple yet profound message about pursuing one’s dreams and embracing the journey of life. It continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for many.
7.The Lord of the Rings – By J.R.R. Tolkien
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, known as J.R.R. Tolkien, was an English writer, poet, philologist, and academic. He served as the Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University from 1925 to 1945 and the Merton Professor of English Language and Literature from 1945 to 1959. He dedicated much of his life to the study of language and mythology, which heavily influenced his writing. Beyond The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, he also wrote The Silmarillion, a collection of mythopoeic stories that form the history of Middle-earth, as well as a numerous collection of short stories, poems, and academic works. The Lord of the Rings book known as the best -selling fantasy novel in history. Its has sold around 160 copies all over the world. The Lord of the Rings was published in three volumes over the course of a year, as The Fellowship of the Ring [1954}, The Two Towers [1954] & The Return of the King [1955]. Tolkien originally intended to publish it as one volume but was forced to publish it as three by his publisher, due to post-war paper shortages and to keep the sale price down. The book also translated in to over 38 languages.
The Lord of the Ring can be seen as a sequel of ‘The Hobbit’ and the journey of Frodo Baggins, fraught with danger, as the Fellowship faces orcs, trolls, Wargs, the Ringwraiths (Sauron’s most fearsome servants), and the constant temptation of the Ring’s power. The story is one of courage, friendship, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil. Woven throughout are themes of environmentalism, industrial destruction, and the corrupting nature of power.
6.The Little Prince [Le Petit Prince] – By Antoine De Saint-Exupéry
The Little Prince (original French title: Le Petit Prince) is a beloved and enduring novella by French aristocrat, writer, poet, aviator, and military man Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The Little Prince tells the story of a pilot stranded in the Sahara Desert who encounters a young prince who has fallen to Earth from a tiny asteroid. Through their conversations, the prince shares his experiences traveling from planet to planet, offering profound and philosophical observations on life, love, loss, and the human condition. The book is known for its simplicity of language, combined with powerful and allegorical themes. This book firstly published in English February 1943, in USA. Also, in French language its firstly published around April the same year in USA due to wartime conditions in France. The Little Prince book is also known as best-selling Children’s book of all times, and having sold 200 million copies worldwide.
Antoine De Saint – Exupéry used his personal experiences as a pilot heavily influenced his writing. He disappeared during a reconnaissance mission in World War II, and the wreckage of his plane was discovered in 2000. This mysterious disappearance has added to the mystique surrounding him and his most famous work.
5.A Tale of Two Cities – By Charles Dickens
A Tale of Two Cities, written by famous author Charles Dickens. This is a sweeping historical novel that uses the French Revolution as its backdrop, exploring themes of resurrection, sacrifice, and social injustice. The book was initially published in weekly installments in Dickens’ literary periodical, All the Year Round, from April 30, 1859, to November 26, 1859. It was then released as a complete novel in late 1859. The serialization allowed Dickens to gauge public reaction and tailor the narrative accordingly. A Tale of Two Cities novel has been translated into dozens of languages, making it one of the most widely translated works of English literature, having sold around 210 million copies to date.
Its initial success as a serial publication, followed by widespread translation and immense sales, solidifies its place as a literary masterpiece with a profound and lasting impact on readers worldwide. Its story of revolution, redemption, and ultimate sacrifice continues to resonate, ensuring its continued relevance and readership for generations to come.
4.Xinhua Zidian – By Wei Jiangong
Xīnhuá Zìdiǎn; literally “New China Dictionary”) is arguably the most influential and widely used single-volume Chinese dictionary in the world. Its impact on Chinese language education, literacy, and standardization is undeniable. It was first published in 1953, and having sold around 570 million copies.
The Xinhua Zidian is more than just a dictionary; its covering 13,000 characters & numerous compound words, it is a cultural artifact that reflects the evolution of the Chinese language and the nation’s commitment to literacy and education. Its contribution to shaping modern Chinese is unparalleled, and it continues to be an indispensable resource for anyone learning or using the language.
3.The Quran – By Several Authors
The Quran is the holy scripture of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the archangel Gabriel. It is the final and most important revelation in the Abrahamic tradition, following the Jewish Torah and the Christian Bible. The Quran is written in classical Arabic and is divided into chapters, or surahs, which are further divided into verses. It contains 114 surahs, which vary in length from a few verses to hundreds. The surahs are not arranged in chronological order, but rather roughly from longest to shortest.
The Quran covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of God, the purpose of human existence, morality, law, and eschatology (the study of the end of the world). It emphasizes the oneness of God, the importance of submission to His will, and the belief in the Day of Judgment. The Quran has sold 800 million copies to date.
2.Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse Tung – By Mao Tse Tung
Mao Zedong, {Mao Tse Tung} also known as Chairman Mao, was a Chinese revolutionary and political leader who served as the chairman of the Communist Party of China from its establishment in 1949 until his death in 1976. He is known for his significant contributions to the creation of the People’s Republic of China, as well as for his political theories and ideologies, which have had a lasting impact on China and the world.
Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse Tung book, also known as “Little Red Book” having sold more than 1.1 billion copies all over the world.
Here are some famous quotations from Chairman Mao Tse Tung;
“A revolution is not a dinner party, or writing an essay, or painting a picture, or doing embroidery; it cannot be so refined, so leisurely and gentle, so temperate, kind, courteous, restrained and magnanimous. A revolution is an insurrection, an act of violence by which one class overthrows another.” This quote highlights the revolutionary and often violent nature of political change.
“The cultural revolution is necessary and the opportunity is here. We must stimulate and develop the cultural revolution and not be afraid of it. We must not shrink from using the methods of the mass movement and of criticism and self-criticism.” This quote is in reference to the Cultural Revolution, a political movement that took place in China from 1966 to 1976, during which Mao and his supporters sought to purge the country of perceived capitalist and traditional elements.
“Women hold up half the sky.” This quote is often cited as a statement of Mao’s belief in gender equality and the importance of women’s contributions to society.
It’s important to note that Mao’s legacy is complex and controversial, and his quotations should be considered in the context of his time and the political climate in which they were made.
1.The Bible – By several writers
The Bible is a sacred text in Christianity and is also revered in other Abrahamic religions such as Judaism and Islam. It is composed of two main sections: the Old Testament, which contains writings that predate the birth of Jesus Christ, and the New Testament, which contains writings about the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Bible has been translated into countless languages and has had a profound influence on Western culture and literature, and having sold around 5 billion copies to date. It is a complex and multifaceted work that has been interpreted in many different ways over the centuries. Some people view it as the literal word of God, while others see it as a collection of human writings that contain spiritual truths and insights. Regardless of one’s perspective, the Bible remains an important and influential text in the world today.
Conclusion:
These books paint a compelling picture of humanity’s deepest desires, shared values, and enduring fascination with storytelling. This exclusive club encompasses a breathtaking range, from foundational religious texts like The Bible and The Quran, which guide billions and shape civilizations, to literary masterpieces as A Tale of Two Cities that define eras of fiction. It includes political manifestos like Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung that spurred revolutions, and a phenomenon like the The Lord of the Rings series that ignited a love for reading in generations.
Ultimately, the phenomenal success of these top-selling books underscores humanity’s timeless yearning for story, for wisdom, for connection, and for narratives that help us interpret the world and our place within it.
References: Wikipedia
