Da Vinci code author 'tops Oxfam donation list'

His new novel is tipped to set new global sales records - but Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown's works are revealed today as the books most likely to be offloaded to second-hand shops.

Brown has been named the "most donated" author in a survey of the nation's Oxfam shops as people discard his bestsellers.

But there is some comfort for both the charity and the author, whose much-anticipated book The Lost Symbol is released next month. He is also the second most sought-after writer at Oxfam shops.

Topping the best-seller list at the 700 branches is Ian Rankin, known for his hugely popular Inspector Rebus series.

Rankin is also the third most donated author. He said: "It's always good for an author to know that their books are popular. With Oxfam, it's also heartening to realise that each book donated and bought is helping such a worthwhile organisation."

The publishing world is currently gearing up for a sales frenzy with the release of Brown's fifth novel on September 15. An e-book version will be released simultaneously and the book has an initial English language print run of 6.5 million copies globally.

The Da Vinci Code has the distinction of being the biggest selling paperback of all time in the UK, and Brown has sold more than 11.7 million copies of his books since he was first published in 2003.

Oxfam says that due to its nationwide book festival, Bookfest, donations to the charity's shop network have risen by 40%.

Some donations have also proved highly lucrative recently. A first edition of JRR Tolkien's Lord Of The Rings sold for £800, while a rare print of the sheet music to Don Giovanni raised £750.

* The most donated authors to Oxfam shops are:

1. Dan Brown

2. John Grisham

3. Ian Rankin

4. Danielle Steel

5. Helen Fielding

6. Stephen King

7. JK Rowling

8. Catherine Cookson

9. Patricia Cornwell

10. Mills & Boon

* The Oxfam shop bestseller list is:

1. Ian Rankin

2. Dan Brown

3. Bernard Cornwell

4. Stephenie Meyer

5. Terry Pratchett

6. Khaled Hosseini

7. Helen Fielding

8. Margaret Attwood

9. James Patterson

10. Jodi Picoult