10 Best Selling Books of All Time to Discover Timeless Wisdom
Millions of books are published annually around the world, providing countless options when you’re in the mood for something new. However, it’s rare for a book to be crafted in such a way that it becomes universally adored and ultimately achieves a best-seller. The question we had was: What are the best selling books of all time? Thus, following some study, we have compiled a list of 10 best selling books of all time to date. We also choose the quotes from the book for you to appreciate the art of language.
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Read also: 10 Best Fantasy Books of All Time You Can’t Miss
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
A Tale of Two Cities is a historical novel published in 1859 by Charles Dickens. The novel tells the story of the French Doctor Manette, his 18-year-long imprisonment in the Bastille in Paris, and his release to live in London with his daughter Lucie whom he had never met. The story is set against the conditions that led up to the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. Like most of Dickens’ works, it deals with matters of class, the desperation of the poor, and the decadence of the wealthy.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair…”
The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The Little Prince (French: Le Petit Prince) is a novella written and illustrated by French writer and military pilot Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. An impenetrable tale of uncommon beauty, The Little Prince captures something whimsical and fleeting about childhood. And it also captures the limited view that comes with adulthood and conformity. It is, in a literal sense, about a boy prince who travels from his home asteroid to other planets. But it’s been alternately interpreted as a commentary on war, and even as a Biblical allegory.
“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
The Alchemist (O Alquimista) by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist (Portuguese: O Alquimista) is a novel by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho which was first published in 1988. Paulo Coelho apparently took just two weeks to write his beautifully simple but powerful novel, The Alchemist. Seen by some as a “self-help book in narrative form” there is no doubt that the theme of finding one’s destiny. And the protagonist’s journey towards that end has a vast appeal throughout all cultures of the world. Hence this book too has become one of the most translated of any ever written.
“When he looked into her dark eyes, and saw that her lips were poised between a laugh and silence, he learned the most important part of the language that all the world spoke—the language that everyone on earth was capable of understanding in their heart. It was love.”
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
Don Quixote is a Spanish novel by Miguel de Cervantes. Regarded by many as the first modern novel, not only is this book most likely the bestselling novel of all time, but it has been the inspiration for countless authors since. It tells the tale of a young and eager Don Quixote as he sets out on a quest to become a knight-errant. It follows an old Spanish man who reads so many romances that he goes insane. He sets out on his own quest, conquering flocks of sheep and attacking windmills.
“When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies? Perhaps to be too practical is madness. To surrender dreams — this may be madness. Too much sanity may be madness — and maddest of all: to see life as it is, and not as it should be!”
The Lord of the Rings by J R R Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings is an epic high fantasy novel by the English author and scholar J. R. R. Tolkien. Originally written as one book and often presented as a trilogy, The Lord of the Rings is an epic fantasy that has inspired numerous novels, films, games, and TV series since its release in 1954. In this much-loved book, Tolkien narrates the return of the Dark Lord Sauron and the quest in which a diverse group of heroes is entrusted with the mission of destroying the source of his power: The One Ring.
“And some things that should not have been forgotten were lost. History became legend. Legend became myth. And for two and a half thousand years, the ring passed out of all knowledge.”
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J K Rowling
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a fantasy novel written by British author J. K. Rowling. First in the ultra-popular Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Sorcerer’s Stone in the US) took the world by storm after its release back in 1997. The book introduces you to a world filled with magic. We have come to know and love all the characters.
“Your mother died to save you. If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. He didn’t realize that love as powerful as your mother’s for you leaves its own mark. Not a scar, no visible sign… to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever. It is in your very own skin. Quirrel, full of hatred, greed, and ambition, sharing his soul with Voldemort, could not touch you for this reason. It was agony to touch a person marked by something so good.”
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
And Then There Were None is a mystery novel by the English writer Agatha Christie. He described it as the most difficult of her books to write. Regarded by the author herself as one of her best-written works, And Then There Were None is a murder mystery that traps ten individuals on an island. One of them is a murderer, and as each of them begin dying one-by-one in accordance to a nursery rhyme. The survivors try to solve the mystery to save themselves.
“There was something magical about an island—the mere word suggested fantasy. You lost touch with the world—an island was a world of its own. A world, perhaps, from which you might never return.”
Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin
Dream of the Red Chamber or The Story of the Stone is an 18th-century Chinese novel authored by Cao Xueqin, considered to be one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. It is one of the great Chinese novels from the pre-Modern era. Written during the Qing Dynasty—the last Imperial dynasty before the 1911 Revolution brought the monarchy to its end—it depicts the success and fall of a noble family, and it is well-known for its nuanced depictions of female characters.
“Greater familiarity bred greater intimacy. And of course, with greater intimacy came the occasional tiffs and misunderstandings that are usual with people who have a great deal to do with each other.”
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Hobbit, or There and Back Again is a children’s fantasy novel by the English author J. R. R. Tolkien. Before The Lord of The Rings, there was The Hobbit, a children’s book about a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, and the quest he goes on with a wizard and 13 dwarves to claim their ancestral home from a dragon. Originally a standalone work, Tolkien incorporated *The Hobbit* into the Middle-earth legendarium as The Lord of the Rings took shape, adding additional contextual details in later editions of The Hobbit.
“Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?”
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (also known as Alice in Wonderland) is an 1865 English children’s novel by Lewis Carroll. This gloriously colourful and quirky story is well deserving of a place on this list, racking up approximately 100 million sales worldwide. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland follows Alice as her curiosity gets the better of her and she falls down a rabbit hole into a world of wonder and surprise.
“When you’ve understood this scripture, throw it away. If you can’t understand this scripture, throw it away. I insist on your freedom.”
Conclusion
The top 10 best selling books of all time are a testament to the power of the written word. These books have entertained, informed, and inspired readers for centuries, and continue to do so today. If you’re looking for a good book to read, be sure to check out one of the best selling books of all time in these classics!
You can find summaries through Arvin, which provides concise overviews and insights into each book’s themes and characters. Call on Arvin today for insightful summaries!
FAQs
New writers can learn several key lessons from best-selling books. For example, understanding your audience is crucial for tailoring content that engages readers. And, creating strong, relatable, and multi-dimensional characters ensures they resonate with the audience. Additionally, recognizing the importance of editing and revising is essential for refining work and enhancing clarity and impact.
Sales figures across various lists, such as The New York Times, Amazon, and industry publications, typically determine best-sellers. Those reflecting how many copies authors have sold over a specific period.
These books have had significant cultural impact. They resonate with a wide audience, and often explore universal themes that provoke thought, inspire, and entertain.
