With the use of imagination, we transform simple words printed on pages into completely new worlds, people, and journeys. The books that created a huge commotion from their first publication and still continue to be a fundamental part of new libraries and bookstores worldwide. However, some pieces of literature, even though they sold millions of copies, can not be estimated. Consequently, all books about religion (the Bible for example) are not included.
Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes
Estimated number of copies sold: 500 million
Don Quixote is at the top of the most published books of all time list. First, in the story, the titular character read too many books about chivalry and romances. As a result, he decides to become a knight-errant and explore the outside world. Joined by his trusted companion, Sancho Panza, he encounters different obstacles like “giants” (or windmills) among other dangers that occasionally have the misfortune of crossing their path for glory.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens
Estimated number of copies sold: 200 million
It is little surprise that this book appears on a list of the most published books of all time. A Tale of Two Cities is a work of fiction by the author Charles Dickens is one of the greatest novels ever written. Most noteworthy though, Dickens was inspired by the events in history between England and France during the time of the French Revolution and used them to craft his story. The story follows the life of the aging Doctor Manette, whom after being imprisoned for eighteen years, reunites his daughter in England.
The Lord of the Rings, by J. R. R. Tolkien
Estimated number of copies sold: 150 million
Tolkien, with the aid of some Nordic mythology, crafted The Lord of the Rings, one of the most published books of all time. In fact, they have inspired millions of different works within the genre. In this book, we learn about the different rings leaders from each of the different races acquire. At the same time, we find out about another ring, “one to rule them all”. The owner of this ring, Sauron, with the help of Elven-smiths, created the most powerful weapon in the land of the “Middle Earth”. But he lost the one ring.
The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Estimated number of copies sold: 140 million
Due to its timeless charm, this book never misses the reading lists on any school around the world. Between the pages, the author introduces the Little Prince, who lives safely in a tiny planet but is intrigued to find what is “out there”. However, he was determined to journey across the universe. With every new planet that he visits, he encounters different peculiar people that mold his thinking about human behavior.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, by J. K. Rowling
Estimated number of copies sold: 120 million
In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, J. K. Rowling managed to create an appealing lead character and strong interactions between him and his companions, that resonated the around the whole world. In this book, we follow the peculiar life of Harry Potter. his aunt and uncle adopted him, but didn’t treat him nicely. However, a letter notifying him that he is a wizard and is invited to attend Hogwarts, turns his life upside down. In this school, Harry discovers new friends that help him overcome both personal and life threatening difficulties present in Hogwarts, the school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
And Then There Were None, Agatha Christie
Estimated number of copies sold: 100 million
The plot of And Then There Were None starts when 10 different strangers arrive on a private island off the coast of Devon. They find one big mansion. However, the new guest can not find the host anywhere. In addition, inside the house, they find a “weird” piece of art which contains 10 different little sculptures. When the guests start to interact with each other, they soon realize that everyone has a dark past that none of them is willing to reveal.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll
Estimated number of copies sold: 100 million
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a great workout for the imagination. In fact, this fantastic book by Lewis Carroll is one of the best selling novels due to its randomness and description of peculiar creatures that live in Wonderland. In this book, we all follow the “White Rabbit” and Alice as they discover each part of this wonderful place.
