Each of April 23 is the International Book day, a date that invites you to reflect on the transforming power of reading and the importance of writing, research and literary creativity.
Why is April 23 celebrated
Promoted by UNESCO since 1995, with the support of the International Editors Union, this day seeks to promote love for books and pay tribute to its authors, also recognizing the value of copyright as an essential tool to protect their work and intellectual property.
The choice of this date coincides with the anniversary of the death of three important names of universal literature.
This is Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare and Garcilaso de la Vega. In addition, on April 23 it aligns with the date of birth or death of other outstanding figures such as Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo.
The best -selling books
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The Biblewith more than 5000 million copies distributed globally, it remains the best -selling book in history. Originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, it has been translated into more than 2000 languages.
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Don Quijote of La Manchaby Miguel de Cervantes, has exceeded 500 million copies. Published in 1605, this peak of Spanish literature remains in force for its criticism lucid to cavalry novels and its portrait of idealism.
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History of two citiesby Charles Dickens, published in 1859, reached more than 200 million sales. Set in London and Paris during the French Revolution, it offers a deep look on human transformation in convulsive times.
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The Little Princeby Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, is a classic that conquered the world with more than 140 million copies. His message about friendship, love and innocence continues to touch hearts since 1943.
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Ten Negritosby Agatha Christie, it is the best -selling police novel in history, with 100 million copies. Published in 1939, its intrigue and narrative structure influenced the mystery genre to this day.
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The Da Vinci Codefrom Dan Brown, reached more than 80 million sales since its appearance in 2003. This mystery and conspiracy novel caught millions with its mixture of art, religion and riddles.
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The alchemistby Paulo Coelho, is one of the great successes of Latin American literature. With more than 65 million copies sold, his message about personal search and dreams made this title an inspiring work globally.
Fantasy, mystery and magic
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stonethe first book of the successful JK Rowling saga, became a worldwide phenomenon with more than 120 million sales since 1997, marking a before and after in youth literature.
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Alicia’s adventures in Wonderlandby Lewis Carroll, has sold more than 100 million copies since its publication in 1865. This fantasy novel, written by a British mathematician under pseudonym, captivates for its dream world and unforgettable characters.
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The chronicles of Narniaof CS Lewis, also exceed 100 million copies. The seven novel series recounts the adventures of children who discover the magical world of Narnia, governed by Aslan, a symbolic lion of great wisdom.
- The Lord of the Ringsby Jrr Tolkien, he sold more than 150 million copies since his publication in 1954. His fantastic and epic universe remains unavoidable reference of the genre.
