10 of the bestselling books in history

When we think of the world’s most famous books, many of us imagine bestsellers that dominate the charts for a few years before fading into history. But some titles have transcended trends and eras, achieving truly staggering circulation figures. Whether spread by religious devotion, political campaigns, or sheer storytelling power, these works have reached hundreds of millions—even billions—of readers worldwide.

Here are the ten most published books in history, ranked by estimated copies printed and distributed.

1. The Bible

The Christian Bible stands as the undisputed leader, with an estimated 5–7 billion copies produced. For centuries, it has been the foundation of Christian faith and one of the most important cultural texts in history. Translated into thousands of languages, often distributed freely by churches and missionary organizations, no other book has come close to its circulation.

2. Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung (The Little Red Book)

Published in the 1960s at the height of Mao Zedong’s power, this political text became a near-mandatory possession in China. With roughly 900 million copies distributed, it ranks second worldwide. The book was not only a symbol of political loyalty but also an educational and cultural tool, making it one of the most rapidly disseminated works in history.

3. The Qur’an

The Islamic holy text is among the most widely published books ever, with around 800 million copies in circulation. Recited, memorized, and studied across the Muslim world, the Qur’an has been reproduced in Arabic and translated into numerous other languages. Like the Bible, many editions are distributed free of charge, ensuring its reach across centuries and continents.

4. Xinhua Zidian

First published in 1953, this Chinese dictionary may surprise those unfamiliar with its impact. But within China, it has become an essential educational tool, with 400–600 million copies published. Compact, affordable, and ubiquitous in schools, it remains one of the most widely printed reference books in the world.

5. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

Often called the first modern novel, Don Quixote has captivated readers since the early 17th century. With around 500 million copies printed, Cervantes’ masterpiece about a deluded knight and his loyal squire is not just a literary milestone but also the most published work of fiction in history.

6. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (Tie)

Dickens’ gripping story set during the French Revolution has achieved remarkable circulation, with an estimated 200 million copies sold. Its enduring popularity comes from both Dickens’ fame in the Victorian era and its continued relevance in classrooms and libraries today.

6. The Book of Mormon (Tie)

Alongside Dickens’ classic, The Book of Mormon also sits in sixth place with roughly 200 million copies distributed. As a central text of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it has been widely published, often in missionary contexts, ensuring its spread across the globe.

7. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Published in 1943, The Little Prince remains one of the most translated and beloved books in the world. Its poetic exploration of childhood, imagination, and human relationships has sold 140–200 million copies. Few books have managed to resonate so universally across cultures.

8. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

Tolkien’s epic trilogy, first released in the 1950s, has sold more than 150 million copies. With its richly built world of Middle-earth, it shaped modern fantasy literature and inspired countless adaptations. Its enduring readership keeps it firmly in the global top ten.

9. Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling

Since the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 1997, the seven-book fantasy saga has taken the world by storm. Collectively, the series has sold more than 500 million copies, though if counted individually, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone alone exceeds 120 million. As a cultural phenomenon, it is unmatched among modern series.

10. The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

Preceding The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien’s The Hobbit has sold around 100 million copies since its publication in 1937. Though intended as a children’s story, it introduced readers to Middle-earth and laid the foundation for Tolkien’s later epic, making it one of the best-selling standalone novels of all time.

From sacred texts to political manifestos to timeless works of literature, the world’s most published books tell the story of human civilization itself. The Bible and Qur’an have guided billions spiritually; Mao’s Little Red Book and Xinhua Zidian reflect political and educational movements; and novels like Don Quixote, Harry Potter, and The Lord of the Rings demonstrate the universal hunger for great stories.