Went on

[Muhammad Asif]

I need help to understand the meaning of Went on in sentence

In 1994, we published the first edition of this book, which went on to sell hundreds of thousands of copies around the world.

[Ivo]

go on = continue

http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery?s=go+on&gwp=13

[Mordant]

This meaning is not "continue."
Go on + infinitive = to do something eventually
Go on + gerund = continue

He went on to become president. = He eventually became president.
He could not go on teaching once his illness worsened. = He could not continue teaching once his illness worsened.