History’s Most Popular Books And How Much They’re Worth Now

Updated: Aug 28, 2023By Daniel RosenblatBusiness

This article originally appeared on Investing.com. It has been republished here with permission.

Historical Books ©Billion Photos/Shutterstock.com

Books make readers use their imaginations in ways most people have forgotten. They take us on creative journeys unrivaled by any film or television series. Without literature, some of the world’s best films would never even have been made because they were adapted from books, of course.

From timeless classics like Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities to more modern favorites such as J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series or Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook, here’s an in-depth look at the books that have stood the test of time and sold the most copies in stores, through Amazon, or otherwise.

1. The Little Prince

Author/Year Published: Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1943)
Copies Sold: 200 million
Est. Cost of 1st Edition: $25,000*

First published in 1943, Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s The Little Prince is a classic children’s book that has captured the hearts of readers of all ages. It tells the story of a young prince who travels from planet to planet in search of knowledge and understanding, ultimately learning valuable lessons about love, friendship, and life itself.

The Little Prince ©MisterSegal/Reddit

Despite its whimsical and charming style, the book explores deep themes of loneliness, isolation, and the search for meaning in a complex world. Its timeless message continues to resonate with readers after more than 80 years and can still be found on bookshelves in kids’ rooms worldwide.

2. The Da Vinci Code

Author/Year Published: Dan Brown (2003)
Copies Sold: 80 million
Est. Cost of 1st Edition: $450*

Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code is a thrilling mystery that follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he uncovers secrets hidden within religious paintings and artifacts. The secret of Da Vinci’s code has always drawn a cult following, like any good conspiracy theory, but the book brought the idea mainstream.

The Da Vinci Code @theguardian/Pinterest

Brown’s book was an instant bestseller, captivating readers with its blend of history, religion, and intrigue. It has sold over 80 million copies for a few reasons. It’s a nail-biting, suspenseful adventure from start to finish. And it was made into a blockbuster film starring 2x Academy Award winner Tom Hanks.

3. The Quran

Author/Year Published: A Group of scribes led by Zayd ibn Thabit (early 7th century)
Copies Sold: 3 billion
Est. Cost of 1st Edition: $28,000 for a copy printed in the early 14th century*

The Quran is a holy book of Islam written in the 7th century. It consists of 114 chapters, or surahs, and is considered to be the word of Allah, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The Quran was first written in Arabic and guides Muslims on how to live according to Islamic principles.

The Quran @ebay/Pinterest

It covers topics such as faith, morality, prayer, and social justice. This holy book is widely regarded as one of the most influential works of literature, having been printed over 3 billion times and translated into over 100 languages.

4. Anne of Green Gables

Author/Year Published: L.M. Montgomery (1908)
Copies Sold: 50 million
Est. Cost of 1st Edition: $21,500*

Written in 1908, Anne of Green Gables tells the tale of Anne Shirley, an orphan sent to live with brother and sister Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, by accident, Despite her initial disappointment, Anne soon wins their hearts with her spirited nature and vivid imagination.

Anne of Green Gables @litjoycrate/Pinterest

The book has sold over 50 million copies and has been translated into more than 36 languages. Its enduring appeal lies in its relatable characters, charming setting, and heartfelt message about the power of love and acceptance.

5. She: A History of Adventure

Author/Year Published: H. Rider Haggard (1887)
Copies Sold: 83 million
Est. Cost of 1st Edition: $750*

Written in 1887, She is an adventure novel that follows the journey of two British explorers who stumble upon a hidden African kingdom ruled by an immortal queen, Ayesha, who is also known as “She-who-must-be-obeyed.” Ayesha is the object of both the explorers’ admiration and fear as she holds the power of life and death over her subjects.

She: A History of Adventure @ebay/Pinterest

With 83+ million copies, She has established itself as one of the best-selling and best-written novels of its time and any other. The book has since been adapted into multiple movies and TV series, and remains a classic example of Victorian adventure literature done right.

6. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Author/Year Published: C.S. Lewis (1950)
Copies Sold: 85 million
Est. Cost of 1st Edition: $13,995*

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a beloved children’s fantasy novel written by C.S. Lewis and published at the midpoint of the 20th century. Set during World War II, the book follows the four Pevensie siblings as they discover a magical world through a wardrobe. A world called Narnia.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe ©BooksCharmingl/Reddit

There, they join forces with the talking animals of Narnia to defeat the evil White Witch and restore peace to the land. Even those who haven’t read one of the 85 million copies of the book have at least heard of the series of films Disney made inspired by the book.

7. The Bible

Author/Year Published: Various (Between 1450 BC and 95 AD)
Copies Sold: 5 billion
Est. Cost of 1st Edition: $65,000 for a copy printed between 1788-1790*

The Holy Bible is a religious text consisting of the Old and New Testaments, covering the Hebrew Bible and Christian beliefs that led up to and followed the crucifixion. Written by multiple authors over a span of thousands of years, the Bible is the number one best-selling book of all time. It contains religious and historical accounts, wisdom, and guidance for those looking for it.

The Bible ©Javier Cruz Acosta/Shutterstock.com

For Christians, it serves as the cornerstone of their faith and belief in God. There have been controversial interpretations of the Holy Bible throughout the centuries leading to various sectors printing their own editions. Still, its key message has remained the same.

8. Don Quixote

Author/Year Published: Miguel de Cervantes (1605)
Copies Sold: 500 million
Est. Cost of 1st Edition: $175,000*

Written in the early 17th century, Don Quixote is a masterpiece of Spanish literature. Don Quixote has been hailed as a timeless classic and has influenced countless authors throughout history. The book tells the story of a man who loses his sanity after reading too many books about chivalry.

Don Quixote @keepingupwiththepenguins/Pinterest

Along with his loyal sidekick, Sancho Panza, he encounters numerous comical and satirical situations that shed light on the realities of Spanish society at the time. No work of fiction has been printed more times than Don Quixote, making it the best-selling (non-religious) book in history.

9. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Author/Year Published: J.K. Rowling (1997)
Copies Sold: 120 million
Est. Cost of 1st Edition: $19,700*

For anyone who’s been living under a rock for the last few decades, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the first book in J.K. Rowling’s acclaimed book series, Harry Potter. The first book alone has sold more than 120 million copies worldwide.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone @thecheatsheet/Pinterest

The book has since become a cultural phenomenon and has been adapted into a successful film franchise. That being said, we could be living in a world without Harry Potter if it weren’t for Bloomsbury Publishing giving Ms. Rowling her big break.

10. Lolita

Author/Year Published: Vladimir Nabokov (1955)
Copies Sold: 50 million
Est. Cost of 1st Edition: $550*

First published in 1955, Lolita is a controversial and disturbing novel that follows the obsession of a middle-aged man named Humbert Humbert with an underage girl named Dolores Haze, who also happens to be his partner’s daughter.

Lolita @Google/Pinterest

The book explores themes of desire, manipulation, and morality and is written in Nabokov’s signature style, full of poetic language and wordplay. Despite being banned until 1958 in several countries, including England, parts of America, and Australia, Lolita has sold over 50 million copies and hailed as a masterpiece of 20th-century literature.

11. The Bridges of Madison County

Author/Year Published: Robert James Waller (1992)
Copies Sold: 60 million
Est. Cost of 1st Edition: $550*

The Bridges of Madison County is a romance novel that follows the story of Francesca, a middle-aged Italian war bride living in rural Iowa. When a National Geographic photographer arrives to take pictures of the local, covered bridges, the reader is taken on a tailspin love affair they dream of one day having themselves.

The Bridges of Madison County @Google/Pinterest

Robert James Waller’s distinct stylistic choices make it feel as though the novel was written 3 centuries, not three decades ago. The book has sold over 50 million copies worldwide and was adapted into a successful film starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood.

12. Vardi Wala Gunda

Author/Year Published: Ved Prakash Sharma (1992)
Copies Sold: 80 million
Est. Cost of 1st Edition: $15*

Vardi Wala Gunda, written by Ved Prakash Sharma in 1984, is a Hindi-language thriller novel that follows the story of a police officer, Rajesh, who takes on a powerful gang leader named Suraj Singh. As Rajesh works to bring Suraj to justice, he also grapples with his own past and personal demons.

Vardi Wala Gunda @amazon/Pinterest

The novel became one of the best-selling books in India, cementing Ved Prakash Sharma’s status as one of the most popular Hindi pulp fiction writers of all time.

13. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Author/Year Published: J.R.R. Tolkien (1954)
Copies Sold: 150 million
Est. Cost of 1st Edition: $2,500*

J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, began with The Fellowship of The Ring. A book that accomplished what it was designed to do. Introduce the reader to a fellowship of elves, dwarves, hobbits, and men, sent to destroy an evil ring.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring @ebay/Pinterest

What ensues is a modern Homeric epic of battles, betrayal, temptation, and deceit along the way. The fantasy adventure has captured readers’ imaginations for generations, with people putting their names on waitlists to take Lord of the Ring-themed courses at university.

14. 1984

Author/Year Published: George Orwell (1949)
Copies Sold: 30 million
Est. Cost of 1st Edition: $18,500*

More than almost any other novel written in history, George Orwell’s 1984 has stemmed fear, paranoia, and an all-around dislike for “big brother.” The dystopian novel is set in a totalitarian society ruled by ‘The Party.’

The novel explores themes of government control, surveillance, and propaganda. It follows protagonist Winston Smith as he rebels against the oppressive regime. Despite being written over 70 years ago, 1984 remains a relevant and thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with readers, today more than ever.