Here are some statistics that should make publishers sit up: the global translation market is projected to exceed $45 billion this year. And the global books market is expected to reach a staggering $192.12 billion by 2030.
Unfortunately, though, only 3 % of books published in English are translated. If you’re part of that 97 %, you’re missing out on considerable revenue.
The most translated book in the world exists in over 3,350 languages and dialects. How amazing it is that certain books are able to transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries!
Here’s a look at 10 of the most translated books of all time.
Top 10 Most Translated Books
1. Bible
Original Language: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek
Translation Count: Complete Bible in 756 languages, New Testament in an additional 1,726 languages, with portions in 1,274 other languages
Authors: Various
The Bible takes first place as the most translated book in the world. This collection of religious texts has been translated in an effort to make these spiritual teachings accessible across all cultures and languages. It’s important to note that the challenges of translation are considerable, since preserving the theological meaning while converting ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts into modern languages requires cultural sensitivity.
2. The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince)
Original Language: French
Translation Count: Over 600 languages and dialects
Authors: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The Little Prince was published in 1943, featuring a philosophical tale about a young prince traveling between planets. The book covers universal themes about love, friendship, and what truly matters in life. Translators often face the challenge of preserving the poetic quality of Saint-Exupéry’s original French while maintaining the story’s childlike wonder.
3. The Adventures of Pinocchio (Le Avventure di Pinocchio)
Original Language: Italian
Translation Count: Over 260 languages
Author: Carlo Collodi
A wooden puppet who desperately wants to become a real boy, Carlo Collodi came out with this masterpiece in 1883. Since then, this story has become deeply embedded in cultures worldwide. The reason why it’s loved all across the globe is because of the universal human experience of growing up and navigating the consequences of your actions.
4. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Original Language: English
Translation Count: Over 170 languages
Author: Lewis Carroll
Lewis Caroll’s 1865 masterpiece follows the surreal journey of Alice through Wonderland. This book must have been a task to translate; however, owing to the clever wordplay, puns, and the mind-boggling logic puzzles included in this book.
5. Don Quixote (El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha)
Original Language: Spanish
Translation Count: Over 140 languages
Author: Miguel de Cervantes
Don Quixote is widely considered the first modern novel. The story was published in 1605, and follows the journey of an idealistic knight who’s lost his mind after reading one too many romances, and his buddy, Sancho Panza. They explore the tensions between dreams and reality, the nature of sanity, and the power of literature.
6. One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights)
Original Language: Arabic
Translation Count: Over 100 languages
Authors: Various
One Thousand and One Nights is a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales, including the well-known Aladdin and Sinbad. These were compiled during the Islamic Golden Age, and what makes them so unique is that they actually started out as oral stories. To be able to preserve that tradition in storytelling is almost surreal.
7. Harry Potter Series
Original Language: English
Translation Count: 85 languages
Author: J.K. Rowling
Ask anyone if they’ve read the Harry Potter series, and it’s most likely that they have. This is hands down one of modern publishing’s biggest translation success stories. The 7 series follows the life of wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. It’s incredible how this series has been translated into 85 languages, while keeping the made-up magical words and character names the same.
8. The Alchemist (O Alquimista)
Original Language: Portuguese
Translation Count: Over 80 languages
Author: Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist was published in 1988 and follows the quest of a shepherd to find treasure. However, the true meaning behind the novel was the importance of finding purpose in your life and chasing your dreams. Since Coelho’s writing style is pretty straightforward and accessible to everyone, the translation for this would be fairly simple.
9. The Diary of a Young Girl
Original Language: Dutch
Translation Count: Over 70 languages
Author: Anne Frank
Who knew that a little girl’s wartime diary would become one of the most translated books? Published in 1947, the Dutch novel gives us a deeply personal account of history’s darkest times, the Holocaust. Over 70 translations have been made of this story, each keeping the authentic teenage voice alive.
10. And Then There Were None
Original Language: English
Translation Count: Over 50 languages
Author: Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie, considered the most translated author, came out with this masterpiece in 1939. And Then There Were None is the story of 10 strangers, trapped on an island with a killer walking among them, only for each of them to be murdered one by one. This chilling thriller is celebrated for its intricate plot and shocking conclusion.
Will Your Book Become The Next Global Success?
The most translated books in history didn’t stumble upon this success by accident. The reason they performed so well was that the translators did them justice. Every book on this list started off in just one language.
But soon, professional translation turned these works of art into global sensations. Now, the question isn’t whether or not great content deserves to reach a global audience – it’s whether you’re ready to make that happen.
At EC Innovations, we’ve seen just how transformative the right translation approach can be. Just like how the most translated websites rank high, your content, too, can reach a global audience. Our translation services are designed to turn your content into the next big thing. Your story could be next. Stop letting language barriers hold you back. Contact us today and see how we can get your words to reach the right readers.
