This article compiles a list of the 25 best-selling literary fiction books of all time, acknowledging the inherent difficulties in accurately quantifying sales due to varying editions, translations, and historical record-keeping inconsistencies. Certain criteria were established to create this list: only literary fiction is included, excluding religious texts, self-help, political works, and reference materials. Some well-known titles, like The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo, were omitted due to challenges in accurately calculating their sales figures.

The list presents estimated sales figures for each title, highlighting the significant sales achieved by many classic and contemporary works. The inclusion of several Harry Potter novels reflects their massive global popularity. The list also features diverse authors and nationalities, showcasing the global reach of literature. The article concludes with a brief mention of Amazon's best-selling books of 2024, offering a contrast between all-time sales and contemporary trends.

25. Anne of Green Gables

### Anne of Green Gables

20See it at AmazonAuthor: L.M. Montgomery

Country: Canada

Publication Date: 1908

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

This beloved children's classic follows the adventures of a spirited orphan girl in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. The heartwarming relationship between Anne and her foster parents propelled the book's success, leading to the creation of several sequels.

24. Heidi

### Heidi

6See it at AmazonAuthor: Johanna Spyri

Country: Switzerland

Publication Date: 1880-1881

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

This children's story centers on an orphaned girl raised by her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Her bond with Klara, a wealthy girl from Frankfurt, forms the emotional core of the narrative.

23. Lolita

### Lolita

9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1955

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Initially met with publishing hesitancy due to its controversial subject matter, Nabokov's masterpiece has since been adapted into various theatrical and cinematic productions.

22. One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad)

### One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad)

6See it at AmazonAuthor: Gabriel García Márquez

Country: Colombia

Publication Date: 1967

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Márquez's epic novel, infused with magical realism, chronicles the multi-generational saga of the Buendía family and their fictional town, Macondo.

21. Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

### Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

6See it at AmazonAuthor: Lew Wallace

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1880

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

This historical novel follows Judah Ben-Hur's life during the time of Jesus Christ, culminating in a memorable cinematic adaptation.

20. The Bridges of Madison County

### The Bridges of Madison County

13See it at AmazonAuthor: Robert James Waller

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1992

Estimated Sales: 60 million copies

This romance novel depicts a passionate affair between an Italian American war bride and a traveling photographer, achieving notable success in both literary and cinematic forms.

19. The Catcher in the Rye

### The Catcher in the Rye

7See it at AmazonAuthor: J.D. Salinger

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1951

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

Salinger's sole novel established Holden Caulfield as a quintessential literary anti-hero, capturing the complexities of adolescence.

(The remaining entries 18-1 through the Best Selling Books in 2024 section follow a similar format, condensing descriptions while maintaining key information.)