How do you measure a book’s greatness? One way is to look at the sales figures. A book that sells millions of copies must have something special. Well, if you are looking for such things to read then this blog will show you the top 10 best books of all time.

First and foremost, these 10 books have reached the highest number of copies sold ever. Furthermore, they cover different genres, periods, and languages. However, they are all amazing books that you should read.

In our exploration, we will provide you with some basic information, a summary, and an explanation of why each book is considered one of the best books of all time.

By reading this post, you will discover some of the most fascinating and influential books ever written. Are you ready? Let’s begin!

1. Don Quixote

• Author: Miguel de Cervantes
• Published In: 1605
• Genres: Novel, Parody, Satire, Farce, and Psychological Fiction
• No. of Copies Sold: +500 Million

Don Quixote, a Spanish man, loves knight stories. Eventually, he becomes one and travels with his friend Sancho Panza. Moreover, he thinks he does good deeds; however, he troubles everyone. In addition, he fights imaginary enemies and loves Dulcinea, a farmer’s daughter. Despite these peculiarities, the book, considered the best of all time, is about a man in a fantasy world.

Furthermore, the book is popular because it effectively portrays the human condition. Additionally, it explores essential values such as madness, love, honor, freedom, and identity. Furthermore, Don seeks meaning and escapes reality. Moreover, the book has diverse stories, styles, voices, and opinions. Notably, it makes the reader think and question. Furthermore, it praises imagination and creativity and how they transform the world and us. Importantly, Don creates his reality and inspires others to pursue their dreams. Equally important, he also reveals the world’s beauty and diversity. In conclusion, Don Quixote ranks first in the list of the best books of all time.

2. Mahabharata

• Author: Saint Vyasa
• Published In: 3BCE-3CE
• Genres: Mythology, Classics, Religion, Philosophy, India, Epic, Poetry, Hinduism
• No. of Copies Sold: +500 Million

The Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic, is about two families—the Pandavas and the Kauravas—who fight for Hastinapura’s throne. Firstly, the epic narrates their conflicts, alliances, and adventures. Furthermore, it explores their ancestors, friends, and enemies. In addition, it contains the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred dialogue between Krishna, a divine avatar, and Arjuna, a Pandava warrior. Finally, the epic ends with the Kurukshetra War, where the Pandavas defeat the Kauravas.

Many love the Mahabharata. It is a rich source of information on Hinduism and India’s history, culture, and identity. It is a complex and fascinating story that covers themes like dharma, karma, fate, love, war, family, and spirituality. The characters are realistic and modern. It is a masterpiece of literature that uses various styles and techniques. It is a versatile and adaptable work that can be interpreted and represented in different ways. This explains why Mahabharata is one of the best books of all time.

3. Anna Karenina

• Author: Leo Tolstoy
• Published In: 1878
• Genres: Novel. Fiction, Literary Realism
• No. of Copies Sold: +400 Million

One of the best books of all time, Anna Karenina, is about a woman unhappy in her marriage. She falls in love with a soldier, Vronsky. They have an affair and run away. They face many problems and challenges. Anna becomes jealous and insecure, and Vronsky gets bored and restless. Anna’s husband denies her a divorce and their son. Anna loses her friends and society. She becomes unhappy and desperate. She kills herself by jumping under a train.

The book explores universal themes like love, marriage, family, betrayal, happiness, and morality. It creates memorable and relatable characters who struggle with their passions, desires, choices, and consequences. The book depicts the contrast between urban and rural life in Russia and the social and political changes in the 19th century. It showcases Tolstoy’s masterful writing style, which combines realism, psychological insight, philosophical reflection, and poetic expression, and uses various literary techniques. This book offers a rich and diverse reading experience, as it contains elements of romance, tragedy, comedy, satire, and drama, and can be interpreted from different perspectives. This book explains why Anna Karenina is a masterpiece of literature.

4. The Lord of The Rings

• Author: John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
• Published In: 1954
• Genres: Fantasy Fiction, High Fantasy, Adventure Fiction, Chivalric Romance, Heroic Fantasy
• No. of Copies Sold: +150 Million

The Lord of the Rings is a fantasy epic that follows the quest of Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits a powerful ring from his uncle Bilbo. He must destroy the ring in the fires of Mount Doom, where it was forged, to prevent the dark lord Sauron from conquering Middle-earth. Along the way, he is aided by a fellowship of friends and allies; however, despite this support, he is also pursued by enemies and corrupted by the ring’s influence. Furthermore, the story explores themes of good and evil, courage and sacrifice, friendship and loyalty, and the fate of the world. Remarkably, this book ranks fourth in the list of the best books of all time.

The Lord of The Rings is highly recommended for its immersive fantasy epic, rich in history, culture, languages, and mythology. Notably, Tolkien’s unmatched world-building has inspired numerous works of art. Secondly, it’s a compelling tale of heroism, courage, friendship, and sacrifice. Additionally, skillfully, it explores universal themes such as good and evil, free will and destiny, power and corruption, and love and loss. Moreover, the characters are relatable and memorable, embarking on compelling and emotional journeys. Furthermore, it is a literary masterpiece, seamlessly combining myth, legend, fairy tale, and history. This creates a unique style and tone, appealing to both children and adults.

5. The Little Prince

• Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
• Published In: 1943
• Genres: Children’s Literature, Fiction, Fable, Novella
• No. of Copies Sold: +140 Million

The Little Prince is a novel by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. In the story, a pilot meets a boy from a tiny planet. The boy tells the pilot about his journey through the universe. Along the way, he meets different people and learns about life and love. Despite the adventures, the boy also misses his rose, a flower he left on his planet. Eventually, the pilot and the boy become friends. However, the boy decides to return to his planet with the help of a snake. Despite the sadness, the pilot keeps the memory of the boy and his laughter in his heart. This book ranks fifth in the list of the best books of all time.

The book is popular for many reasons. Firstly, it is a timeless tale that speaks to the child within us. Secondly, it explores themes of innocence, adventure, friendship, love, and mortality. Moreover, the novel is full of symbolism and wisdom. Additionally, it offers insights into the human condition and everyday life. Furthermore, the book is a simple yet profound story that can be interpreted in different ways. Lastly, it has a universal appeal across cultures and languages. Moreover, the novel is a reflection of the author’s life and love.

6. Wuthering Heights

• Author:  Emily Brontë
• Published In: 1847
• Genres: Novel, Gothic fiction, Romance novel, Tragedy
• No. of Copies Sold: +100 Million

Wuthering Heights is a novel that tells the story of two families, the Earnshaws and the Lintons, and their complex relationships with a mysterious orphan named Heathcliff. The novel spans several decades and explores themes of love, revenge, social class, and the supernatural. Heathcliff’s passionate and destructive love for Catherine Earnshaw, the daughter of his adoptive father, drives the plot and influences the fate of the other characters. The novel is narrated by two outsiders, Mr. Lockwood and Nelly Dean, who witness the events at Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, the two estates where the story takes place.

Wuthering Heights is a popular book among readers for many reasons. Some of them are: It is a tragic and Gothic novel that depicts the intense and passionate love between Heathcliff and Catherine, and their destructive effects on themselves and others. Secondly, it is a complex and layered story that challenges the conventions of Victorian society, morality, religion, and class. Additionally, it is a masterpiece of literature that creates a vivid and original world, full of symbolism, poetry, and mystery. Furthermore, it is a cult classic that has inspired many adaptations and interpretations in various media, such as film, music, and art.

6. One Hundred Years of Solitude

• Author: Gabriel García Márquez
• Published In: 1967
• Genres: Epic Fiction, Novel, Magic Realism, High Fantasy, Family Saga
• No. of Copies Sold: +50 Million

One Hundred Years of Solitude, a novel by Gabriel García Márquez, is about the Buendía family and Macondo. The novel covers seven generations and a hundred years. The family and the town face events like wars, plagues, love, magic, and death. The novel shows how they repeat patterns and mistakes, and how they are isolated. The novel ends with Macondo’s destruction. Consequently, it introduces the last Buendía. Remarkably, this book ranks seventh in the list of the best books of all time.

The book uses magical realism to create a captivating and mysterious world. It reflects the history, culture, and identity of Latin America. The novel explores themes like love, war, fate, and solitude. The book features complex and memorable characters, who face consequences and repeat mistakes. It showcases the brilliant writing that combines realism, symbolism, irony, and lyricism. The book contains elements of romance, tragedy, comedy, satire, and drama. It can be interpreted from different perspectives.

7. To Kill A Mocking Bird

• Author: Harper Lee
• Published In: 1960
• Genres: Southern Gothic, Courtroom Drama, Bildungsroman, Racism
• No. of Copies Sold: +40 Million

To Kill a Mockingbird, a novel by Harper Lee is about Scout Finch, a girl who grows up in the racist South. Her father, Atticus, defends Tom Robinson, a Black man accused of rape. Scout and Jem learn from Atticus and Dill about justice, courage, and prejudice. Additionally, they also become curious about Boo Radley, a mysterious neighbor who saves them. The novel shows how they lose innocence and gain empathy in a hateful and violent world.

Furthermore, the novel explores themes of racism, justice, courage, and innocence in the 1930s South. Additionally, it features Scout Finch, a strong and independent heroine, who narrates the story. Moreover, the book combines genres like Southern Gothic, courtroom drama, and bildungsroman. Consequently, this book appeals to different readers. Notably, it features memorable quotes, characters, and scenes. For example, Atticus’s defense, in addition to Boo’s rescue, and the symbolism of the mockingbird, are significant aspects of the story. Furthermore, this book ranks eighth on the list of the best books of all time. It has influenced many writers, artists, and activists. Additionally, it has been adapted into various media. In conclusion, this book holds the eighth position in the list of the best books of all time.

9. The Great Gatsby

• Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Published In: 1925
• Genres: Tragedy, Realism, Modernism, Social Satire
• No. of Copies Sold: +25 Million

The novel is about Jay Gatsby, a rich and mysterious man who loves Daisy, a married woman. He tries to win her back with big parties and lies. Daisy’s husband, Tom, gets angry. Gatsby and Daisy hit and kill a woman. The woman’s husband kills Gatsby and himself. Nick, the narrator and Gatsby’s friend, tells the story. He thinks Gatsby is great because he followed his dream. Additionally, The Great Gatsby is one of the best books of all time.

Furthermore, the novel reflects the American dream and its corruption. Moreover, it portrays the social and moral decay of the 1920s. Additionally, it shows the romance and tragedy of Jay Gatsby, who pursues Daisy with passion and dreams. Furthermore, the book also features memorable and complex characters. For example, Nick Carraway is fascinated and disillusioned by the world. Additionally, it captures the spirit and style of the Jazz Age, with parties, music, fashion, and glamour. The book showcases Fitzgerald’s brilliant writing. It combines realism, symbolism, irony, and lyricism. The Great Gatsby creates a vivid and poetic impression of the story and its themes. This book explains why The Great Gatsby is a masterpiece of literature.

10. Pride and Prejudice

• Author: Jane Austen
• Published In: 1813
• Genres: Fiction, Romance, Satire, Realism, Novel of Manners
• No. of Copies Sold: +20 Million

Pride and Prejudice, a novel by Jane Austen, revolves around Elizabeth Bennet, who harbors a strong dislike for Mr. Darcy, a wealthy and proud man. Despite her feelings, she harbors affection for Mr. Wickham, who deceives her about Darcy. Meanwhile, her sister Jane is in love with Mr. Bingley, Darcy’s friend. When they depart, leaving Jane in melancholy, Elizabeth seeks solace by visiting Charlotte, her cousin, who is now married to Mr. Collins. In a surprising turn of events, Darcy proposes to Elizabeth, but she firmly rejects him. Subsequently, he takes the initiative to write her a letter to elucidate his actions. Over time, Elizabeth has a change of heart. Later on, she encounters Darcy once more, this time at his estate. Eventually, they manage to overcome their initial pride and prejudice, leading to their eventual marriage. Mirroring their journey, Jane and Bingley also find their way to marital bliss.

The novel captivates readers with a profound exploration of reading. It blends romance, sarcasm, and comedy. It narrates Elizabeth and Darcy’s journey to love. The novel’s memorable quotes articulate its themes and characters. Elizabeth Bennet, a strong heroine, embodies intelligence, wit, politeness, and care. The novel reflects 19th-century England. It contrasts urban and rural life. It addresses women and marriage. The book explores class and wealth. The novel depicts the nuances of the time. Jane Austen’s brilliant writing weaves realism, symbolism, irony, and lyricism. This book is one of the best books of all time. It explains why Pride and Prejudice is a masterpiece of literature.

We have reached the end of our list of the best books of all time. Additionally, these are the books that have sold the most copies in the history of publishing. Moreover, they have also impressed and influenced millions of readers around the world. Furthermore, these books span across different genres, periods, and languages. However, they are amazing books that you need to read. In conclusion, we have provided you with some basic information, a summary, and an explanation of why each book is one of the best books of all time. We hope that you have enjoyed this blog.

Sushmita Nibandhe

ALSO READ: 5 Lessons from Rich Dad Poor Dad to strengthen your Money Game