The 10 Most Translated Authors According to UNESCO

UNESCO's Index Translationum is a database that tracks the translations of every book worldwide. The index was created back in 1932, and it contains cumulative bibliographical data on books translated and published in the UNESCO member states. It uses translations of individual books. Thus, authors with lots of publications, but fewer translations may rank higher than those with less books but more translations. This list has gathered the ten highest-ranking authors based on this system.

10. Jacob Grimm (2977 translations)

Jacob is one of the two Grimm brothers. The German duo is responsible for collecting and popularizing legendary folk tales that have stayed with multiple generations since the 19th century. 

Notable titles translated from German to Bulgarian: Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty

9. Stephen King (3357 translations)

King is one of the most popular names in the modern literature. His work revolves mostly around the horror and science fiction genres. His massive bibliography has produced multiple classics which have been turned into blockbuster movies as well.

Notable titles translated from English to Bulgarian: Carrie, The Shining, Firestarter, Pet Cemetery, It.

8. Hans Christian Andersen (3520 translations)

This 19th-century Danish author is known among even the smallest kids. He is most famous for his contribution to the fairy tale world of literature writing some of the most loved stories that children from all around the world have grown up with. 

Notable titles translated from Danish to Bulgarian: The Little Mermaid, The Emperor's New Clothes, The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina 

7. Vladimir Lenin (3593 translations)

Lenin was an essential figure in politics in the 20th century. His revolutionary theories and ideas started the Leninism ideology and changed the world forever. All of Lenin's political texts and works create a huge bibliography with over 3500 translations.

Notable titles translated from Russian to Bulgarian: Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism

6. Danielle Steel (3628 translations)

Born in 1947, the New York native is most famous for writing romance novels. She is currently the best selling author alive according to estimated sales and also one of the best selling authors of all time.

Notable titles translated from English to Bulgarian: Safe Harbour, A Perfect Stranger, and Five Days in Paris

5. Barbara Cartland (3652 translations)

This British writer had a huge influence in the 20th century. Her collection of works includes more than 700 publications. Cartland holds the record for the most published novels in a single year, a feat that she achieved in 1977 and one that was recognized by Guinness.

Notable titles translated from English to Bulgarian: The Drums of Love, Escape from Passion, Mission to Monte Carlo

4. Enid Blyton (3924 translations)

Blyton is recognized as one of the best-selling children's authors of all time with estimated sales of over 600 million copies. The British writer rose to popularity in the 1930s with books such as The Enchanted Wood. Her peak followed later that century with notable series like The Famous Five and The Secret Seven.

Notable titles translated from English to Bulgarian: The Adventures of Binkle and Flip

3. William Shakespeare (4296 translations)

There's barely any schooler who hasn't heard of Shakespeare. Regarded as the best dramatist of all time, this 16th century English poet and playwright is remembered as the brain behind several timeless tragedies.

Notable titles translated from English to Bulgarian: Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth. 

2. Jules Verne (4751 translations)

The French writer is widely popular for his adventure novels. His Voyages extraordinaires spawned a series of thrilling books. Some of them have become popular motion pictures.  

Notable titles translated from French to Bulgarian: Around the World in Eighty Days, Journey to the Center of the World, The Mysterious Island, Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea

1. Agatha Christie (7236 translations)

Taking the top spot, Agatha Christie's bibliography has been translated over 7000 times, a huge number compared to the other names in this list. The English writer is known for her detective novels, especially those featuring the characters Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot.

Notable titles translated from English to Bulgarian: Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile, Passanger to Frankfurt