The 50 bestselling books of all time, from 'To Kill a Mockingbird' to 'The Fellowship of the Ring'

Collage of Top 50 bestselling books, including Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, The Little Prince, and The Kite Runner 4x3
The bestselling books of all time include "The Fellowship of the Ring," "The Little Prince," and every book in the "Harry Potter" series.
Amazon; Rachel Mendelson/Insider

Though no exact start date is known, modern book printing is over 1,000 years old. In 2010, Google Books estimated that nearly 130 million books had been published, with now over 2 million new books published each year. Such competition means only a few great reads have sold tens or hundreds of millions of copies, topping the charts as some of the bestselling books of all time. 

Though there's no one source that has consistently tracked book sales over the centuries, publishing websites (such as Publishers Weekly) are able to estimate the sales of older works and track the sale of new releases much more accurately. To assemble this list of the top bestsellers ever, we excluded religious texts (such as the Bible and Quran) and only included titles with reliable data from publishing companies, news articles, and official press releases.

The books on this list cover a wide variety of genres from self-help to horror, originally published in countries all around the world and translated into dozens of languages. 

The top 50 bestselling books of all time:

Top 50 bestselling books, slide 1
Amazon; Rachel Mendelson/Insider

1. "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $15.30

Copies sold: 500 million

The highest selling and most translated book of all time, "Don Quixote", is also considered the first modern novel, published in two parts, one in 1605 and the other in 1615. Don Quixote decides to become a knight-errant after reading countless romantic tales. Along with his recruited squire, Sancho Panza, Don Quixote imagines a knightly story for himself, tempered by the wit of Sancho. Don Quixote is a tale of imaginative rhetoric and witty comedy,  astoundingly relatable 400 years after its publication. 

2. "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $7.36 

Copies sold: 200 million

In a story that famously begins "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," Dr. Manette has just spent 18 years as a political prisoner, finally released to be with his daughter, Lucie, in London. Set at the height of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution, two very different men vie for Lucie's heart in this dark story known for its masterful cast of characters, social commentary on the French Revolution, and violent dramatizations. 

3. "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $10.09

Copies sold: 150 million

"The Fellowship of the Ring" is the first installment of the epic fantasy series "The Lord of the Rings." When a powerful ring is entrusted to Frodo Baggins, he must begin the long journey across Middle-Earth to the Cracks of Doom to destroy the ring — the only way to defeat the Dark Lord who seeks to rule everything. This book begins the series with wizards, elves, dwarfs, and hobbits in a classic adventure tale of friendship and good versus evil.  

4. "Le Petit Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $6 

Copies sold: 140 million 

"Le Petit Prince" ("The Little Prince") is a beloved French children's book that uses elements of fantasy to tell an emotional and reflective story of life's greatest lessons. Translated into over 300 languages, readers around the world have met the little prince on his journey to find a safe place for his favorite flower. This story is for readers of any age to experience a simple and beautiful tale that has been cherished for almost 80 years. 

5. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon, from $6.98 

Copies sold: 120 million 

The first of the "Harry Potter" series, this book launches readers into a world of witches, wizards, and magical beasts. We're introduced to Harry, a young orphaned boy living with his dreadful aunt and uncle. When he's told he's a wizard on his 11th birthday, Harry is whisked away to Hogwarts, a magical school where he makes friends, learns everything he can about magic, and begins to unveil the dark secrets surrounding his parents' deaths. The entire "Harry Potter" series has sold about 500 million copies to date, with this first book selling the most copies of any installment in the series.

Top 50 bestselling books, slide 2
Amazon; Rachel Mendelson/Insider

6. "Scouting for Boys" by Robert Baden-Powell, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $12.90 

Copies sold: 100 million 

First published in 1908, this book was written as a handbook of practical advice and instruction on leadership for Boy Scout training. Robert Baden-Powell was a Lieutenant General in the British Army, the founder of the Boy Scouts and co-founder of the "Girl Guides," later renamed Girl Scouts. Combined with autobiographical anecdotes and nearly 100 diagrams, this nostalgic book explains why the scouting movement began while refreshing readers on the basics of outdoors survival and instilling messages of confidence and morality.

7. "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $7.99 

Copies sold: 100 million 

"And Then There Were None" is a classic mystery story from 1939 where 10 strangers are slowly killed after being invited to a mysterious dinner at a millionaire's mansion. In each room of the home, there is an eerie nursery rhyme hanging on the wall that outlines the death of 10 people. When the guests realize the murders are being carried out as described in the rhyme, they must find out who is orchestrating the scheme before no one is left alive. 

8. "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $ 14.37 

Copies sold: 100 million 

In this prequel to "The Fellowship of the Ring,'' readers meet Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and Golem in an adventure tale that outlines the origin of the Ring. Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a simple and comfortable life — until he meets the great wizard Gandalf, who whisks him away on the quest of a lifetime. Originally written for Tolkien's children, this high-fantasy story is fun and charming with imaginative and accessible writing, a staple for any fantasy-lover's library. 

9. "Dream of the Red Chamber" by Cáo Xuěqín, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $18.29 

Copies sold: 100 million 

"Dream of the Red Chamber" is one of the Four Great Classic Novels of China, written in 1791 and well-known by nearly every Chinese reader for its depiction of traditional Chinese culture. Believed to be based on the author's life and the women within it, this novel includes an extensive cast of over 400 characters whose experiences offer observations about Chinese society in the 18th century. It is considered one of the greatest and most momentous works of literature in the world. 

10. "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $7.64 

Copies sold: 85 million 

Though sequentially second in the "Chronicles of Narnia" series, this was the first book that introduced young readers to the mystical land beyond the wardrobe. Lucy is the first of her siblings to find the secret, icy world that lies in the back of a wardrobe. When she takes her brothers and sister there, they discover a land trapped in an eternal winter, enchanted by the evil White Witch. The siblings meet a lion named Aslan and begin a journey to free Narnia from the witch's evil spell. The entire "Narnia" series has sold over 100 million copies, with this book being the most popular installment.

Top 50 bestselling books, slide 3
Amazon; Rachel Mendelson/Insider

11. "She: A History of Adventure" by Henry Rider Haggard, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $6.45 

Copies sold: 83 million 

When Leo Vincey opens a mysterious package from his father on his 25th birthday, he discovers a shard of pottery and a series of documents that suggest secrets about his family. As Leo and his wife travel to Africa, they meet the all-powerful "She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed," a 2000-year-old immortal queen ruling a secret kingdom who may have an ancestral connection to Leo. Originally published in 1886, this is a tale of legends and myths that intertwined fantasy elements in a story of adventure. (Please note: This book contains racial and gender insensitivities that may make readers uncomfortable.)

12. "The Adventures of Pinocchio" by Carlo Collodi, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $5.99 

Copies sold: 80 million 

"The Adventures of Pinocchio" is a classic Italian children's book about a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a human. Made by a woodcarver in a Tuscan village, Pinocchio is a mischievous puppet carved from a block of wood whose adventures unwittingly get him into trouble. He meets a magical fairy who tells him he will become a real boy if he can be good for a year. Though still caught in some of his naturally troublesome antics, Pinocchio tries his best to behave and do good deeds in this memorable treat of a classic tale. 

13. "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $7.49 

Copies sold: 80 million 

Even though this is the second book in the Robert Langdon series, it out-sold its predecessor ("Angels & Demons") by over 40 million copies, capturing readers' attention for the page-turning puzzle it presents. Robert Langdon, a master symbologist, is called when the Louvre's museum curator is murdered and his body is found covered in mysterious symbols. This story is an epic labyrinth of clues and danger, offering an alternative religious history that is wildly entertaining and suspenseful.

14. "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $6.98 

Copies sold: 77 million 

This is the second book in the hugely popular "Harry Potter" series which takes readers into a magical world of witches and wizards that secretly coexists with our own. In this book, Harry is about to begin his second year at Hogwarts when he receives a cryptic warning that great danger awaits if he is to return to school. Desperate to escape his dreadful aunt and uncle, Harry returns to a school year marked by a self-obsessed new professor, a moaning spirit, and a strange voice in the walls that only Harry seems to hear. When a few students begin to mysteriously stiffen as if they're made of stone, Harry looks for the culprit while trying to evade suspicion himself. 

15. "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $6.98 

Copies sold: 65 million

In this sixth installment of the "Harry Potter" series, wizards and witches everywhere are fighting the rise of the darkest wizard in magical history: Voldemort. As Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts continues, he spends much of his time occupied by the headmaster, learning the full history of the boy who became Voldemort, hoping the key to defeating him lies in the past. This book is the climax of the series where the tension builds and readers, now emotionally invested in the characters, suffer great losses alongside them.

Top 50 bestselling books, slide 4
Amazon; Rachel Mendelson/Insider

16. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $9.98  

Copies sold: 65 million

In this gripping and action-packed conclusion to the best-selling Harry Potter series, Harry faces more danger than all the other books combined as he searches for the answers that might defeat Voldemort once and for all. As the books progressively prepared readers for darkness and danger, this book concludes with messages of bravery, loyalty, and family in an epic, final story to satisfy those gripped by Harry's journey since 1997. 

17. "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $6.92  

Copies sold: 65 million

In the fourth book of the "Harry Potter" series, Harry is in his fourth year of magical training at Hogwarts. This time, there is a competition between two other rival schools called the Triwizard Tournament. When Harry's name is mysteriously selected despite not being entered, he's forced to compete in a contest of bravery, intelligence, and wizardry featuring golden eggs, an imposing maze, and deadly dragons. 

18. "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $6.98 

Copies sold: 65 million

In Harry's fifth year of school, Voldemort is slowly growing stronger and it seems neither Harry nor the magical government will be able to stop him. Despite these looming fears, Harry must continue his magical schooling. With the pressure of fifth year exams, he must also juggle a seemingly sweet Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Ron's new position on the Quidditch team, and a prophecy that may reveal Harry's fate. 

19. "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $5.76 

Copies sold: 65 million

In the third book of the "Harry Potter" series, readers are introduced to Sirius Black, a seemingly deranged convicted murderer whose recent escape from the highest security prison has made headlines everywhere. As Harry returns to his third year at Hogwarts, he finds even his professors fear the safety of the students as Sirius is on the loose, especially since it's rumored that he's coming for Harry himself. 

20. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $8.89 

Copies sold: 65 million

Written in only two weeks and originally published in Portuguese in 1988, "The Alchemist" was not an immediate bestseller. When the book's first publisher dropped the title, Paulo Coelho brought it to a larger publishing house in Brazil who agreed to publish his book. Now having spent over 315 weeks on The New York Times Best Sellers list, "The Alchemist" is about a boy named Santiago who travels from his home in Spain in search of a treasure buried near the pyramids in Egypt.

Top 50 bestselling books, slide 5
Amazon; Rachel Mendelson/Insider

21. "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $9.19  

Copies sold: 65 million

"The Catcher in the Rye" is one of the most well-known coming-of-age stories. It's the intimate and introspective tale of Holden Caulfield, a 16-year-old boy who has three days before he's due to return home after the end of his fall semester of prep school. Holden is keenly aware of the beauty and pain in life, expressing perspectives that are both naive and mature beyond his years. It's a classic of teenage angst and rebellion, appreciated by readers since 1951. 

22. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $5.06

Copies sold: 55 million

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" is a beloved children's picture book, an interactive story that teaches young readers counting and the days of the week. It is about a caterpillar who was hatched out of a tiny egg on a Sunday eats his way through the week and the pages until he cocoons himself and emerges as a butterfly. It's a simple yet endearing story, a classic story read to children around the world.

23. "The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care" by Dr. Benjamin Spock, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $22.07 

Copies sold: 50 million

This book was initially published in 1946 as a resource for new and expecting parents. There are sections for first aid, feeding, and developmental milestones. While new editions have been regularly revised and released as pediatric research and care develops, you can also grab a copy of the second edition from 1957, which delivers some earlier perspectives and advice reflective of a 1960s household. 

24. "Anne of Green Gables" by L.M. Montgomery, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $7.35  

Copies sold: 50 million

The Cuthberts lived on an old-fashioned farm on Prince Edward Island called Green Gables. Hoping to adopt a young boy to help with the chores, the family is surprised to meet 11-year-old Anne: An enthusiastic, red-headed girl sent to them by mistake. Before the Cuthberts can send her back, Anne manages to win their affections and stay with her new family. Anne is an imaginative and delightful character whose humor and charm have continued to soften readers' hearts since 1908.

25. "Black Beauty" by Anna Sewell, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $6.49 

Copies sold: 50 million

Told from the perspective of the horse, "Black Beauty" is a memoir-style fictional classic about a colt's search for a happy home after his first owners are forced to sell him. Despite the hardships he faces, Black Beauty has an unbreakable will to survive and a hope that he will once again find humans who offer kindness and compassion. This is a tender and morally driven novel that encourages empathy for others and care for animals. Through his story of setbacks and triumphs, Black Beauty teaches readers that goodness can prevail even in the darkest times.

Top 50 bestselling books, slide 6
Amazon; Rachel Mendelson/Insider

26. "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.49  

Copies sold: 50 million

Set in Italy in 1327, "The Name of the Rose" is a historical fiction/murder mystery blend that readers love for its use of philosophy, theology, and symbolism. It is a complex but very readable novel about a monk named William who is brought to Italy to investigate a potential hearsay dispute. When seven strange deaths occur in mere days, William uses philosophical and theological teachings to solve the bizarre mystery. This is a novel that readers pick up over and over again, discovering a new hidden symbol or piece of wisdom with each read. 

27. "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $5.47  

Copies sold: 50 million

This is an equally heart-warming and heart-wrenching story about a spider, a pig, and a girl. After a young girl, Fern, saves the runt of the piglets, Wilbur, he makes friends with a spider named Charlotte who weaves words into her web to convince the humans that Wilbur is a special pig and shouldn't be slaughtered. It's a tale that teaches young readers the importance of friendship and living harmoniously with all living creatures. 

28. "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise L. Hay, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $8.59 

Copies sold: 50 million

"You Can Heal Your Life" is one of the top-selling self-help books of all time, aiming to empower readers to change their lives by changing the way they think. Louise L. Hay uses elements of psychology and spirituality to encourage the reconstruction of thoughts, attitudes, and language as a means of improving readers' emotional, mental, and even physical health. This book has spurred some controversy, as the author has claimed that some illnesses are psychosomatic, such as migraines and AIDS. 

29. "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.40  

Copies sold: 50 million

"Lolita" is a highly controversial novel that was rejected by a series of American publishers for fear of obscenity charges. Ultimately published in France in 1955, "Lolita" has been banned in many countries, leading to greater publicity and interest by curious readers. The story is about a 37-year-old man named Humbert, who falls in love with Dolores Haze, a 12-year-old girl he's privately nicknamed "Lolita." In order to get closer to her, Humbert marries Lolita's mother and pines for a love affair with the child. Humbert is an unreliable narrator whose perverted mind is written to shock and disturb readers. (Please note: This book contains sensitive subject matter including child sexual abuse and pedophilia.)

30. "In His Steps" By Charles M. Sheldon, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $5.95 

Copies sold: 50 million

"In His Steps" is a short story that coined the phrase "What would Jesus do?" It is a fictional story about four townspeople who are challenged to consider the messages of Jesus Christ before taking any action for an entire year. Originally published in 1896, this book uses anecdotes to which modern readers may find it difficult to relate, but the story has a strong message that encourages readers to live a life led by morality, empathy, and faith.

Top 50 bestselling books, slide 7
Amazon; Rachel Mendelson/Insider

31. "The Hite Report" by Shere Hite, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $16.51 

Copies sold: 50 million

"The Hite Report" is the 600-page result of Shere Hite's research about female sexuality. Originally published in 1976, Hite interviewed 100,000 women from ages 14-78 about their sexual experiences and shared her findings with the public. This book has a lot of statistics and uses real anecdotal experiences to answer intimate questions about the perceived myths of pleasure. It became an immediate international bestseller. 

32. "The Eagle Has Landed" by Jack Higgins, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $8.99  

Copies sold: 50 million

This is an exhilarating historical fiction novel where Hitler orders Nazi paratroopers to kidnap Winston Churchill in order to halt the Allies. Exciting until the final page, readers flock to this World War II spy thriller for Jack Higgins' adept characterization and development, ensuring the story sticks with them long after they've finished the book. It's an inventive and gripping book with an original plot and a fascinating front of antiheroes.

33. "Heidi" by Johanna Spyri, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $6.99 

Copies sold: 50 million

Heidi is only five years old when she's sent to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Though everyone seems to fear her grandfather, Heidi finds him fascinating and cherishes her days spent with him upon the mountains. Three years later, Heidi is collected from her home in the Alps to work for a wealthy family and help their daughter, Clara, who cannot walk. Though Heidi and Clara get along, the family's housekeeper is a strict woman who puts more and more restrictions on Heidi, dampening her spirit and making her homesick for her mountain home and grandfather. This is an enchanting read that readers adore for Heidi's friendly and happy spirit.

34. "The Mark of Zorro" by Johnston McCulley, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $7  

Copies sold: 50 million

Originally titled "The Curse of Capistrano", this 1919 action-adventure story tells the legend of the masked outlaw Zorro, a hero swordsman dedicated to fighting crime. Zorro, a swashbuckling adventurer, is a likable and funny protagonist whose tale is reminiscent of Robin Hood. This novel is a light read, beloved by readers for the hero's wit and his fiercely independent love interest.

35. "Watership Down" by Richard Adams, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $13.89 

Copies sold: 50 million

"Watership Down" is a classic tale of a group of rabbits who must flee their home in search of another and face a series of perils as they travel across the English countryside. This novel began as a series of stories the author would tell his daughters on long car rides, improvising as he went. Though the author insists there are no hidden allegories in this story, readers have found nearly countless messages, themes, and takeaways from this adorable band of rabbits.

Top 50 bestselling books, slide 8
Amazon; Rachel Mendelson/Insider

36. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $11.89 

Copies sold: 47 million

Through the history of the Buendiá family, this masterful piece of literature uses magical realism to narrate the rise and fall of the mythical town of Macondo. This Nobel Prize winner was an important novel in the Latin American Boom, a literary movement in the 1960s and '70s which changed the perception of Latin American literature and encouraged increased publication of Spanish American authors. It is a multi-generation story loved by readers for the author's ability to capture all sides of humanity.

37. "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $4.59  

Copies sold: 45 million

This delightful picture book has been adored by young readers and nostalgically cherished since 1902. The first in a series of children's books by Beatrix Potter, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" is about a mischievous little rabbit who finds trouble in McGregor's vegetable garden despite a warning from his mother. This is a simple and adorable story that teaches children the importance of listening to their parents. 

38. "The Ginger Man" by J.P. Donleavy, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.72 

Copies sold: 45 million

Sebastian Dangerfield is a young American man attending Trinity College in Dublin who is known by readers for his drunken escapades, skewed morals, and the hilarity of his antics. Switching between the first and third perspectives, readers are able to understand Sebastian's motivations and fears while finding amusement in the aftermath of his anarchy. This book was originally banned in Ireland and America for obscenity as it contains some sexually explicit content.

39. "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" by Richard Bach, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $13.49  

Copies sold: 40 million

In the 1960s, Richard Bach published a series of short stories which later became this fantasy novella about a seagull discovering the freedom of flying. Told from the seagull's perspective, flying is the ultimate metaphor in this story, inspiring readers to follow their dreams and believe in themselves even if it seems no one else does. This tale is a simple one with a strong message that leaves readers feeling encouraged and hopeful. 

40. "A Message to Garcia" by Elbert Hubbard, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $2.50 

Copies sold: 40 million

"A Message to Garcia" is a motivational essay that uses a fictional military tale to instill lessons of integrity and positivity in aspiring leaders. When 1LT Andrew Rowan must deliver a message from President McKinley to General García, he finds the will within himself to accomplish the dangerous task with no objections or complaints. The message is often still used in business settings as an inspirational story to workers, referenced to encourage people to look for opportunities to lead and achieve greatness.

Top 50 bestselling books, slide 9
Amazon; Rachel Mendelson/Insider

41. "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $16.56 

Copies sold: 40 million

In this nonfiction astronomy book, Carl Sagan outlines 14 billion years of cosmic evolution that led to the creation of life on Earth as we know it. Dubbed one of the 88 books that shaped America by the Library of Congress, the book's 13 highly illustrated chapters explain immense concepts of chemistry, biology, astronomy, and anthropology in a palatable and mesmerizing way. "Cosmos" is based on Carl Sagan's 13-part television series from 1980. 

42. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $7.19 

Copies sold: 40 million

This distinguished classic won a Pulitzer Prize in 1961, a historical fiction novel set in 1933 Alabama where an innocent Black man is on trial for a horrible crime he didn't commit. The story follows Scout, a young girl who struggles to understand blind, racial hatred as her father defends the man against a town determined to believe he's guilty. This is a dramatic and deeply moving story where Scout's innocence starkly contrasts the deep-seated racial prejudices of a Southern small town. 

43. "Flowers in the Attic" by V.C. Andrews, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.49 

Copies sold: 40 million

Cathy and her three siblings live a normal and nearly perfect life until their father is devastatingly killed in a car accident, leaving their mother, Corinne, with little means of supporting the children. Desperate for financial security, Corinne hatches a plan to win back the affections and inheritance of her dying, millionaire father who disowned her when she married her husband against his wishes. Since her father doesn't know of the children, Corinne decides she must hide them in the attic, promising it will only be for a few days. Told from 12-year-old Cathy's perspective, this gothic horror is full of twists and terror, beloved as a dramatic cult classic. 

44. "Angels & Demons" by Dan Brown, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $11.61 

Copies sold: 39 million

In the first novel that spurred " The Da Vinci Code" franchise, symbologist Robert Langdon is called to investigate the origin of a strange symbol left on the chest of a murdered physicist. He soon discovers this mysterious symbol could mean the resurgence of a powerful, underground brotherhood known as the Illuminati. Robert Langdon must race against the clock to unravel this explosive mystery as the centuries-old secret organization appears to be targeting their most hated enemy — the Catholic church. 

45. "How the Steel was Tempered" by Nikolai Ostrovsky, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $13.50 

Copies sold: 36 million

"How the Steel was Tempered" is a fictional autobiography that falls into a fiction subgenre dubbed "socialist realism." First published in 1932, this classic of Russian literature follows Pavel Korchagin, a man who fights for Bolsheviks in the Civil War and struggles to recover from his injuries after the war, ultimately becoming as strong as steel. Pavel's story begins when he is only 12 and takes place both on and off the battlefield. 

Top 50 bestselling books, slide 10
Amazon; Rachel Mendelson/Insider

46. "Your Erroneous Zones" by Wayne W. Dyer, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $12.91

Copies sold: 35 million

This self-help book skyrocketed as a bestseller as it encouraged readers to challenge their self-destructive behaviors or "erroneous zones" and reach greater happiness. It is an inspirational, step-by-step guide to help recognize and change patterns of negative thinking that may trap us within feelings of fear, anxiety, or self-deprecation. Wayne W. Dyer uses a gentle narrative and plenty of examples to demonstrate how freedom from negative thinking can improve self-image, lessen anger, and relieve guilt. 

47. "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $4.29 

Copies sold: 35 million

Anne Frank was a 13-year-old Jewish girl from Amsterdam whose family fled their home in Holland during the Nazi occupation. Fearing for their lives, Anne's family lived hidden in a secret annex of an office building, confined in a tight space with little food and a great fear of discovery. This is a nonfiction account, a collection of diary entries of Anne's years as a teen girl in hiding. Her writing reveals the boredom and interests of any teenage girl with keen observations and an emotional understanding of the dangers in the world around her. 

48. "Kane and Abel" by Jeffrey Archer, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $9.19 

Copies sold: 33 million

Kane and Abel are two completely different strangers, born on the same day on opposite sides of the world yet bound by one destiny. As adults, both men are ruthless in their pursuit of success, locked in a hate-fueled struggle to build an empire. Told over 60 years and three generations, "Kane and Abel" is a dramatic, thrilling, and impactful story about two men driven by vengeance with a memorable and deeply satisfying conclusion.  

49. "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $10.50 

Copies sold: 31.5 million

"The Kite Runner" is a heartbreaking historical fiction story set in Afghanistan during the rise of the Taliban. Amir and Hassan are unlikely friends who spend their days flying kites to ignore the tension and hardships building around them. When something terrible happens to Hassan and Amir fails to stop it, he spends much of his life seeking redemption for his betrayal. This is a touching and powerful story that focuses on themes of familial love and the power of friendship.

50. "Sophie's World" by Jostein Gaarder, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $12.99 

Copies sold: 30 million

This novel explores great philosophical concepts through the thought-provoking journey of Sophie Amundsen, a 14-year-old girl who finds two notes in her mailbox that read "Who are you?" and "Where does the world come from?" Stumped and immediately curious for answers, Sophie begins to unravel complicated philosophical ideas as she corresponds with a mysterious penpal. This is a profoundly thoughtful young adult novel for readers of all ages.


You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.

