20
The Ginger Man – 50 million
Image: brostad via Flickr
A prolific writer, J.P. Donleavy demonstrated the skill of Irish (American) writers in his first and most popular novel, “The Ginger Man”. Published in 1955, the book was banned by both his ancestral (Ireland) and birth (U.S.A.) countries for being too obscene. Set in Dublin, this top-seller follows the adventurous life of Sebastian Dangerfield as he pursues women, booze, and a rogue lifestyle while avoiding his studies at Trinity College.
19
Lolita – 50 million
Source: Schuman, Samuel (1979). Vladimir Nabokov, a reference guide., Image: Wikipedia
Written by Russian-native Vladimir Nabokov, “Lolita” was originally written in English before being translated into Russian by the author. Forming a classic part of 20th century literature, the book follows protagonist Humbert Humbert (a 38-year-old year professor) as he develops a sexual relationship with his new 12-year-old stepdaughter Dolores Haze (commonly known by his nickname for her, Lolita). Since then, “Lolita” has been made into two operas, two ballets, and a Broadway musical. In pop culture, the name “Lolita” often refers to a girl who is sexually more mature than her age.
18
One Hundred Years of Solitude – 50 million
Source: "One Hundred Years at Forty" (December 2007) The Walrus, Image: cmichel67 via Flickr
The only Spanish book on this list is Colombian Gabriel Garcia Márquez’s landmark “Cien Años de Soledad” (English: “One Hundred Years of Solitude”). Selling over 50 million copies, this magical realist novel follows the Buendía family: the founders of Macondo, a metaphor for Colombia. Translated into 37 languages, this widely read book is a primary example of the Latin American Literary Boom of the 1960’s and 70’s.
17
Watership Down – 50 million
Source: "Masterplots II: Juvenile and Young Adult Fiction Series (Watership Downs)"., Image: zalamanda via Flickr
A fantasy novel with talking rabbits (though very different from stories of Br’er Rabbit), “Watership Down” is Englishman Richard Adams’ flagship novel. The anthropomorphized bunnies journey to find a new home after one of them has a vision their homeland will be destroyed. The story draws parallels between freedom and tyranny (as does Orwell’s “Animal Farm”) and between reason and emotion.
16
The Eagle Has Landed – 50 million
Source: Graeme Shimmin, Image: Wikipedia
The best selling spy thriller book on our list (and thus in history), Jack Higgins’ “The Eagle Has Landed” was published in 1975. The riveting pages follow the mission of a group of German paratroopers and an Irish IRA (Irish Republican Army) member as they land on the English coast in 1943. Their mission? Kidnap British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Also made into a 1976 film, “The Eagle Has Landed” is a must-read for any lover of suspense.
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