Prince Harry’s ‘Spare’ has sold 629,300 print copies in the U.S., but its first-week sales didn’t top Obama’s ‘A Promised Land’ debut

Prince Harry’s ‘Spare’ has sold 629,300 print copies in the U.S., but its first-week sales didn’t top Obama’s ‘A Promised Land’ debut

THE MARGIN When it comes to first-week book sales, Prince Harry may be ruling the roost. But former President Barack Obama still has him beat. “Spare,” the

THE MARGIN When it comes to first-week book sales, Prince Harry may be ruling the roost. But former President Barack Obama still has him beat. “Spare,” the

newly released tell-all tome by Prince Harry, sold 629,300 print copies in the U.S. during its first week, according to NPD BookScan, the leading tracker of book sales. That made

newly released tell-all tome by Prince Harry, sold 629,300 print copies in the U.S. during its first week, according to NPD BookScan, the leading tracker of book sales. That made

“Spare” the top-selling book in this country by a wide margin — the closest competitor, Colleen Hoover’s romantic novel “It Starts with Us” sold 51,000 copies. Still,

“Spare” the top-selling book in this country by a wide margin — the closest competitor, Colleen Hoover’s romantic novel “It Starts with Us” sold 51,000 copies. Still,

“Spare” doesn’t come close to the first-week tally of 831,300 copies that Obama recorded with “A Promised Land,” his 2020 release. NPD BookScan said “A Promised Land” is the

“Spare” doesn’t come close to the first-week tally of 831,300 copies that Obama recorded with “A Promised Land,” his 2020 release. NPD BookScan said “A Promised Land” is the

holder of the first-week record for adult nonfiction. For that matter, the debut week for “Spare” also didn’t beat Michelle Obama’s 2018 book “Becoming,” which posted

holder of the first-week record for adult nonfiction. For that matter, the debut week for “Spare” also didn’t beat Michelle Obama’s 2018 book “Becoming,” which posted

first-week sales of 645,900, according to NPD BookScan. Still, “Spare” is proving itself in other ways. The book is ranked the top seller on Amazon and Barnes &

first-week sales of 645,900, according to NPD BookScan. Still, “Spare” is proving itself in other ways. The book is ranked the top seller on Amazon and Barnes &

Noble. And it is the fastest-selling nonfiction book in U.K. history, according to press reports, which indicate that 400,000 copies across numerous formats (print, e-book and

Noble. And it is the fastest-selling nonfiction book in U.K. history, according to press reports, which indicate that 400,000 copies across numerous formats (print, e-book and

audio) were snapped up on the day of release. “We always knew this book would fly but it is exceeding even our most bullish expectations,” said Transworld Penguin Random

audio) were snapped up on the day of release. “We always knew this book would fly but it is exceeding even our most bullish expectations,” said Transworld Penguin Random

House Managing Director Larry Finlay in a statement. Transworld is the British publisher of “Spare,” while Random House is the U.S. publisher.

House Managing Director Larry Finlay in a statement. Transworld is the British publisher of “Spare,” while Random House is the U.S. publisher.