Top 10 Best-Selling Books of All Time

Books have long been a powerful means of communication, entertainment, and education. A select few books have transcended language, culture, and time to become global phenomena throughout history. Their massive sales numbers highlight their lasting impact on generations of readers.

From religious texts like the Bible and the Quran to timeless literary classics such as Don Quixote and Harry Potter, these works have shaped cultures, influenced societies, and inspired countless individuals. In this article, we explore some of the most-sold books in history, delving into their origins, themes, and the cultural significance that has led them to become bestsellers across the globe.

1. The Bible
With an estimated 5 to 7 billion copies sold, the Bible is the most widely distributed book in human history. Its first mass-produced edition, the Gutenberg Bible, was published in various forms in 1455. Revered by billions as a sacred text, the Bible is central to Christianity and has also influenced literature, philosophy, law, and the arts. Spread owing to religious missionaries, and translators and also was due to the advent of the printing press that exposed it to a large crowd. These stories, preachings, and all the moral elements of religion speak to people globally.

2. Chairman Mao Tse-Tung quotations (Little Red Book)
Little Red Book, the Quotations by Chairman Mao Tse-Tung is an extraordinarily influential book also; a sale is computed around 900 million copies of this book as well. Published in 1964 under Mao's leadership of Communist China, it is a collection of the former's thoughts and philosophies about politics, revolutions, and society. It reached every Chinese citizen, especially during the Cultural Revolution, where it became a symbol of Maoist ideology. However, its influence was not strictly confined to China; this had spread to other countries that were socialist in movement.

3. The Quran
The Quran, with sales estimated between 800 million to over 3 billion copies, is the holy book of Islam and one of the most revered texts in the world. It was first printed in Arabic in the 1500s; however, its oral recitation began much earlier and was compiled in the early 7th century. This Quran is important and sacred in Muslims for spiritual guidance as well as its literariness. It also comes from the mouth of God through the Prophet Muhammad and has been translated into several other languages, hence being a means to read for many across the world.

4. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
Published in 1605, Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes is one of the foundational works of Western literature. With approximately 500 million copies sold, it is the story of an aging gentleman who, inspired by chivalric tales, sets out on a series of misguided adventures. Known for its exploration of themes that include reality versus illusion, Don Quixote is one of the most highly influential writers and is often counted among the first modern novels ever written. Its wit and humor with social critique can still fascinate readers even today.

5. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities, written in 1859, has sold more than 200 million copies. It is set against the troubled period of the French Revolution. The novel deals with sacrifice, resurrection, and the pursuit of justice. The famous opening sentence of the novel reads: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times". A classic reflection of the human condition, it has been adapted into numerous films, plays, and other media, continuing to be a literary classic.