There is no precise published list of what the Top 10 books in 1776 were in the American colonies. The New York Times Best Seller List would not appear for another 155 years, in 1931.
Printing was decentralized, with about 50 printers located in the colonies, but they were producing a wide variety of paper products, not necessarily books. Also, what people read varied widely by region and class. However, historians have reconstructed what was most widely read and circulated by looking at print runs, inventories, and booksellers’ catalogs.
It really is not a surprise that The Bible appears in the No. 1 spot, considering the numbers of people who came to the colonies to spread or escape the criticism of their particular faith.
Numbers 3 and 4 obviously are the items that shine the brightest light on what is going on in North America at the time. As with other publications throughout history, Mr. Paine’s books brought ideas which then fueled actions.
We hope you enjoy exploring the other items on the list and let them lead you into bibliographic rabbit holes that can expand understanding of why the U.S. became what it is today.
