The history of literature and sacred writings is deeply interwoven with human culture. Some books have shaped entire civilizations, spread across continents, and been translated into hundreds of languages.
Below, we explore ten of the most-sold books in history, providing context for their significance and estimated copies sold.
1. The Bible
The Bible is widely regarded as the best-selling book of all time, with estimates suggesting it has sold or been distributed in excess of five billion copies worldwide.
This staggering figure comes from long-standing historical record-keeping by various religious organizations and publishing institutions.
Comprising both the Old and New Testaments, it is not a single narrative but a collection of texts that form the foundation of Christian faith and influence Judaism and Islam as well.
Its teachings, historical accounts, poetry, and moral guidelines have shaped religious thought and cultural norms across the globe for centuries.
2. The Quran
The Quran is the central religious text of Islam and is believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of approximately 23 years.
It is revered as both a spiritual and legal guidebook, composed in classical Arabic and organized into 114 chapters called surahs.
Reported sales or distributions of the Quran reach at least around 800 million copies, with some estimates much higher due to widespread printing and gifting practices across Muslim communities worldwide.
3. The Little Red Book
Officially titled Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung, the Little Red Book is a collection of sayings and writings from Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China.
First published in the 1960s, it became ubiquitous during the Cultural Revolution, with government distribution ensuring that millions of Chinese citizens carried a copy.
While exact sales figures vary, many sources suggest around one billion copies have been printed and circulated, both in China and internationally.
4. Xinhua Dictionary
The Xinhua Zidian, or Xinhua Dictionary, is the most popular Chinese language reference book. First published in 1957 by the Commercial Press, it has become the standard dictionary used by students and learners of Chinese.
According to Guinness World Records, it holds the title of the world’s most popular dictionary and has sold hundreds of millions of copies — with estimates often cited in the hundreds of millions.
Its influence on literacy and language education in China has been profound, making it one of the most widely owned books in the world.
5. Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. It takes the form of a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer and spiritual guide on the battlefield.
The book addresses profound philosophical and ethical questions, exploring concepts such as duty, righteousness, and devotion.
While precise sales estimates vary widely, some sources list it among best-selling spiritual texts with tens of millions of copies sold, and major publishers such as Gita Press alone have printed over 140 million copies.
6. Don Quixote
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes is often cited as the best-selling novel in history. First published in two parts in 1605 and 1615, it tells the story of a nobleman who, inspired by chivalric romances, sets out to revive knighthood in a world that has largely forgotten it.
Its blend of humor, social commentary, and philosophical insight has captivated readers for centuries. Estimated worldwide sales of Don Quixote exceed 500 million copies, making it a cornerstone of Western literature.
7. A Tale of Two Cities
Charles Dickens’s historical novel A Tale of Two Cities is set against the backdrop of the French Revolution and follows complex narratives of sacrifice, love, and redemption.
Its opening line — “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” — is among the most famous in English literature.
Globally, the book has sold over 200 million copies, securing its place as one of the most-read classics in the English language.
8. The Little Prince
The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a poetic and philosophical story presented as a children’s book.
Written by a French writer and aviator, it explores themes of friendship, love, and the search for meaning through the travels of a young prince who visits various planets.
It has been translated into more than 300 languages and dialects, with sales estimates often placed at around 140-200 million copies worldwide.
9. The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is a sacred text of the Latter-day Saint movement, first published in 1830 by Joseph Smith. It presents itself as a record of ancient prophets who lived on the American continent and testifies of Jesus Christ’s ministry.
Sales and distribution estimates suggest that over 200 million copies have been printed, reflecting its central role in Mormon religious life and missionary work.
10. The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is a high-fantasy epic that has captivated readers since its publication in the mid-1950s. Although often published as a trilogy (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King), it is a single continuous narrative.
Its richly detailed world of Middle-earth, diverse characters, and mythic themes has led to sales estimated at over 150 million copies worldwide, along with hugely successful adaptations in film, games, and other media.
These ten books represent a remarkable range of genres — from sacred scripture and philosophical classics to political tracts and imaginative fiction.
Each has reached vast audiences over decades and centuries, leaving enduring legacies in literature, faith, and culture.
