Children's classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the most read book in Britain.
The timeless CS Lewis novel edges ahead of blockbusters including Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, which takes second spot in the survey.
JK Rowling’s boy wizard Harry Potter claims third place with his first outing, the best-selling Philosopher’s Stone.
Research by website eBay reveals Harry and his Hogwarts’ pals dominate the top 10 with six places.
More than half of Brits say reading is the best way to relax and a similar number explain it gives them “me time”.
One in five pick up a book every day and almost half read most during the summer. Just outside the top 20 are The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger, A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, and Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl.
Men and women have different tastes with The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James and Gone Girl among female faves.
Men prefer George Orwell’s 1984, Lord of the Flies by William Godling, and The Da Vinci Code.
Brits finish an average of 11 books a year and take two on holiday.
Rob Johnson, co-founder of Wordery, eBay’s online bookstore, said: “There’s no doubt that we are a nation of readers.
“It’s heartwarming to see that getting lost in fiction is still a hobby Brits love to take part in, especially in these days of instant viewing.”
