The “most read book” in the UK can be interpreted in different ways, but based on popularity, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is cited as the most read as of a 2024 YouGov poll. However, based on all-time sales and other polls, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien is often considered the favorite, with the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling being the best-selling book series overall.
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens was the most popular fiction book, with 68% of adults saying they have read it
- The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien was voted the UK’s favorite novel in the BBC’s Big Read poll.
- The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is the best-selling book series, with titles like Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone frequently topping sales charts.
- Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell is a classic and a frequent contender for top spots in both popularity and sales lists.
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee remains highly read, partly due to its inclusion in school curriculums.
A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas, commonly known as A Christmas Carol, is a novella by Charles Dickens, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843 and illustrated by John Leech. It recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. In the process, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man.
A Christmas Carol is consistently one of the most-read books in the UK, having been popular since its first publication in 1843. It is considered a classic and beloved Christmas tale, and the story’s enduring popularity is evident in its many adaptations and continued presence in literature lists and popular culture, note Amazon UK, Penguin Books, and The British Library
- Immediate success: The novella was an instant success upon its release, with the first print run of 6,000 copies selling out within days.
- Enduring popularity: A Christmas Carol remains a favorite with families and is frequently re-read during the festive season.
- Cultural impact: The story is so influential that it is often cited as the most famous Christmas story ever written and has been adapted countless times for stage, screen, and radio.
- Constant presence: It is a constant feature in lists of classic and festive books, such as those compiled by the BBC and Penguin Books
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