Welcome to StrawPoll, where your opinion matters and your voice can be heard! In our latest ranking, we dive into the literary world to explore the most popular books about who? That's right! We've compiled a list of enthralling biographies, mind-blowing memoirs, and captivating stories that shed light on the lives of some of the most influential and intriguing people throughout history. Will your favorite make the cut? Cast your vote now or suggest a missing masterpiece that deserves its rightful place in our rankings. Together, let's celebrate the power of words and the lives they immortalize, one page-turning tale at a time. So, fellow bibliophiles, are you ready to make history? Dive in and let the battle of the books begin!
What Is the Most Popular Book about Who? (September 2023)
The Bible is with an estimated 5 billion copies sold or distributed, the Bible is the most popular book in history. It is a religious text that is revered by Christians around the world.
Description
The Bible is a religious text that holds great significance for many religious and cultural communities around the world. It is a collection of sacred scriptures and writings that are revered as divinely inspired by Christians and Jews. The Bible is divided into two main sections, the Old Testament, which contains religious texts and history prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, and the New Testament, which focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It covers a wide range of genres, including narratives, poetry, laws, prophecies, and letters. The Bible has been translated into numerous languages and has had a profound impact on literature, art, and religious practices throughout history.
Number of Books: 66 (for Protestant versions)
Number of Chapters: 1,189
Number of Verses: 31,102
Languages: Written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek
Publication Date: Between the 15th century BCE and the 1st century CE
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is with over 500 million copies sold, the Harry Potter series is a cultural phenomenon that has captured the imaginations of millions of readers around the world.
Description
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is a widely popular fantasy book series that revolves around the life of a young wizard named Harry Potter. The story follows Harry's journey as he discovers his magical abilities, attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and battles against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. Throughout the series, Harry and his friends face numerous challenges, solve mysteries, and learn important lessons about friendship, love, and bravery.
Genre: Fantasy
Publication Year: 1997-2007
Number of Books: 7
Main Protagonist: Harry Potter
Setting: Wizarding World
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling in other rankings
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien - this epic high fantasy series has sold over 150 million copies and has been adapted into successful films.
Description
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien is an epic high-fantasy adventure book set in the fictional world of Middle-earth. It follows a group of diverse characters on a quest to destroy a powerful ring and defeat the dark lord Sauron who seeks to regain its control.
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Published Date: 1954-1955
Number of Books: 3
Book Titles: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King
Main Protagonist: Frodo Baggins
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien in other rankings
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is a thriller novel that explores a conspiracy theory involving the Catholic Church and the Holy Grail, The Da Vinci Code has sold over 80 million copies worldwide.
Description
The Da Vinci Code is a bestselling novel written by Dan Brown. It combines elements of mystery, thriller, and conspiracy theories to tell the story of an art historian, Robert Langdon, who becomes entangled in a quest to solve a murder mystery involving a secret society and hidden codes. The book gained immense popularity and commercial success upon its release.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a classic American novel that deals with themes of racism and injustice, To Kill a Mockingbird has sold over 50 million copies since its publication in 1960.
Description
To Kill a Mockingbird is a renowned novel written by Harper Lee. It portrays a young girl named Scout, growing up in a racially divided southern town during the 1930s. The book explores themes of racial inequality, justice, and morality through the eyes of Scout, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus Finch.
Publication Year: 1960
Genre: Fiction, Southern Gothic, Bildungsroman
Setting: Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression
Narrative Style: First-person retrospective
Main Characters: Scout Finch, Jem Finch, Atticus Finch, Boo Radley
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee in other rankings
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a dystopian young adult series that has sold over 100 million copies, The Hunger Games has spawned successful films and a devoted fanbase.
Description
The Hunger Games is a popular book written by Suzanne Collins. It is set in a dystopian future where children are forced to participate in a televised fight to the death. The story follows the journey of the young protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, as she navigates the brutal world of the Hunger Games and becomes a symbol of rebellion against the oppressive Capitol.
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Publication Year: 2008
Series: The Hunger Games Trilogy
Setting: Panem, a post-apocalyptic nation
Protagonist: Katniss Everdeen
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins in other rankings
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is a coming-of-age novel that has become a cultural touchstone for generations of readers, The Catcher in the Rye has sold over 65 million copies.
Description
The Catcher in the Rye is a novel written by J.D. Salinger. It follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a teenage boy from New York City who has been expelled from his prep school. The book explores Holden's perspectives on society, his struggles with adolescence, and his feelings of alienation and cynicism. It is often praised for its realistic portrayal of teenage angst and its influence on literature and popular culture.
Publication Year: 1951
Genre: Coming of Age, Bildungsroman
Setting: New York City
Narrative Style: First-person
Protagonist: Holden Caulfield
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger in other rankings
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a beloved classic of English literature, Pride and Prejudice has sold over 20 million copies and has been adapted into numerous films and TV shows.
Description
Pride and Prejudice is a beloved classic novel written by Jane Austen. It was first published in 1813 and has since become one of Austen's most famous works. The novel is a witty and insightful portrayal of the society and culture of early 19th-century England, with a strong focus on themes of love, marriage, social class, and personal growth. Pride and Prejudice follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet, a spirited and independent young woman, as she navigates societal expectations, familial pressures, and her own notions of love and happiness. The novel is known for its memorable characters, engaging plot, and Austen's signature sharp wit and social commentary.
Publication Date: 1813
Protagonist: Elizabeth Bennet
Writing Style: Witty, Insightful, Satirical
Famous Quotes: 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.'
Popularity: One of the most popular and widely-read novels in English literature
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen in other rankings
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis is a series of fantasy novels that has sold over 100 million copies, The Chronicles of Narnia has been adapted into successful films and remains a beloved classic for readers of all ages.
Description
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis is a renowned series of seven fantasy adventure books that have captivated readers of all ages. Set in the magical world of Narnia, the books follow the adventures of a group of children who stumble upon a wardrobe that acts as a gateway to this enchanting realm. As they explore Narnia, they encounter talking animals, mythical creatures, and engage in epic battles between good and evil.
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Publication Year: 1950-1956
Number of Books: 7
Main Protagonists: Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy Pevensie
Iconic Character: Aslan the Lion
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis in other rankings
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is a powerful memoir that chronicles the experiences of a young Jewish girl during World War II, The Diary of a Young Girl has sold over 30 million copies and has been translated into numerous languages.
Description
The Diary of a Young Girl is a poignant and influential book that documents the life of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis during World War II. The diary, which Anne received as a gift for her 13th birthday, chronicles her experiences, thoughts, and emotions while living in hiding with her family in Amsterdam. Anne's intimate and candid entries provide a unique perspective on the hardships, fears, and hopes faced by Jews during the Holocaust. Through her words, Anne Frank's diary serves as a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit and the enduring impact of her story.
Published Date: June 25, 1947
Original Language: Dutch
Genre: Autobiographical, Historical, Diary
Number of Pages: 336
Setting: Amsterdam, Netherlands during World War II
Missing your favorite book?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for popular book
Sales and distribution
The number of copies sold, distributed, and translated worldwide is a strong indicator of a book's popularity. A higher number of sales suggests a wider readership and greater influence.
Reviews and Ratings
Reviews and ratings from readers, critics, and experts, including those in academic literature, can provide insight into the quality and impact of a book. Positive reviews and high scores suggest that the book is well-regarded and likely to have a wider reach.
Awards and accolades
Awards and nominations from prestigious literary organizations and institutions can indicate a book's significance. A book that has won notable awards or been nominated for prestigious honors may be more popular and influential than one without these distinctions.
Cultural impact
A book's influence on society, culture, and thought should be considered when assessing its popularity. Works that have inspired other books, films, or intellectual movements, or are frequently cited in other works, are more likely to be popular among readers.
Longevity and enduring appeal
A book's staying power in the public consciousness can be a sign of its enduring appeal. Books that are frequently republished, adapted, or reimagined in various formats and mediums demonstrate their popularity over time.
Availability and accessibility
The extent to which a book is readily available and accessible to a wide range of readers can have a significant impact on its popularity. A book that is available in numerous formats, such as print, digital, and audiobook, or a book that is globally available with widespread distribution is more likely to be popular.
Reader demographics
Considering the book's target audience and its ability to resonate with various demographic groups can help assess its popularity. A book that appeals to readers of different ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds may gain more traction and become more popular.
Recommendations from influential figures
Books that have been recommended or endorsed by prominent individuals, such as celebrities, thought leaders, and public figures, may experience increased popularity and readership.
Relevance and timeliness
A book's relevance to current events, societal issues, or popular discourse can contribute to its popularity. A book addressing a significant or timely topic may attract a greater number of readers and see increased success.
Book clubs and reading lists
A book's inclusion on reading lists, bestseller lists, or as a selection for book clubs can serve as a measure of its popularity. Many readers discover new books through these platforms, and a book that is often featured in these settings is more likely to be popular and widely-read.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular book about who. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite book is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each book once every 24 hours. The rank of each book is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
The world of literature is vast and diverse, with countless authors and their works that have captured the hearts and minds of readers over the years. In fact, there are so many books out there that it can be difficult to keep track of which ones are the most popular or well-known. That's where StrawPoll comes in - we've collected data on thousands of polls and rankings to determine which books are the most beloved by readers around the world. In this article, we'll be exploring the question of "What is the most popular book about who?" - delving into the characters and stories that have captured the imaginations of readers and earned their place in the literary canon. From the classics to the modern bestsellers, we'll be exploring the books that have stood the test of time and continue to be beloved by readers of all ages and backgrounds. So whether you're a lifelong bookworm or just dipping your toes into the literary world, join us as we explore the most popular books about who!
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.