* Lack of reliable data: Records from centuries ago are incomplete, and different sources often cite different numbers.
* Defining "bestseller": Do we mean total copies sold across all time, or copies sold in a single year? Does it include different editions and languages?
* Cultural and language barriers: Some books are incredibly popular in certain regions but may not have the same impact globally.
However, some of the books frequently cited as potential bestsellers include:
* The Bible: It's estimated to have sold billions of copies throughout history, but it's difficult to verify the exact number due to its age and the fact that it's often included in religious texts.
* Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung: It is estimated to have sold over 800 million copies during its peak popularity in China.
* Don Quixote: This classic by Miguel de Cervantes has been translated into over 100 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide.
* The Little Prince: This beloved children's book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry has sold over 200 million copies.
* Harry Potter series: This popular fantasy series by J.K. Rowling has sold over 500 million copies worldwide.
Ultimately, the "bestseller" title is a matter of debate, and the real value of a book often goes beyond sales figures.