"Exploring History's Top Most Expensive Books: A Dive into Invaluable Pages"
Back in 1978, a Gutenberg Bible made headlines by
selling for over $2 million, setting the record as the first book to command
such a staggering price. Surprisingly, in today's market, that figure doesn't
even crack the top 20. Let's take a closer look at some of the most expensive
books and manuscripts ever sold.
1.
Book of Mormon - $35 million
In 2017, the Mormon Church made waves by acquiring
the oldest surviving copy of the Book of Mormon for a jaw-dropping $35 million.
2.
Letter from Zeng Gong - $31.73 million
Chinese magnate Wang Zhongjun made a significant
investment in 2016, spending $31.73 million to obtain a 124-character letter
from the eleventh-century scholar Zeng Gong.
3.
Codex Leicester - $30.8 million
In 1994, Bill Gates made history by purchasing da
Vinci's "Codex Leicester" for $30.8 million, securing its position as
the most expensive book of its time.
4.
Magna Carta - $21.32 million
One of the 17 known copies of the Magna Carta
fetched a hefty $21.32 million in 2007, laying the foundation for democratic
constitutions.
5.
Sherborne Missal - $21.21 million
In 2001, the English government stepped in to
prevent the sale of the Sherborne Missal abroad, acquiring it for $21.21
million by waiving inheritance tax.
6.
New Book of Tang - $17.25 million
The history of the Tang Dynasty commanded $17.25
million at auction in 2018.
7.
St Cuthbert Gospel - $14.34 million
The St Cuthbert Gospel, the oldest intact book in
Europe, found a home in the British Library in 2012 after a purchase for $14.34
million.
8.
Bay Psalm Book - $14.2 million
David Rubenstein, a generous donor, secured one of
the 11 known copies of the Bay Psalm Book, the first printed book in the
American colonies, for $14.2 million in 2013.
9.
Rothschild Prayerbook - $13.6 million
Australian investor Kerry Stokes made a substantial
bid at auction in 2014, acquiring the Rothschild Prayerbook for $13.6 million.
10.
Illustrated Shahnameh Folio - $12.15 million
In 2011, a beautifully illustrated folio from the
Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp fetched $12.15 million, setting a benchmark for
Islamic art.
These remarkable books and manuscripts, with their
profound cultural and artistic significance, continue to captivate collectors
worldwide.
Related
Queries:
1. What is the significance of the Gutenberg Bible in literary
history?
2. How did Bill Gates contribute to preserving da Vinci's
"Codex Leicester"?
3. Tell me more about the historical background of the Magna
Carta and its auction in 2007.
4. How did the British government intervene to acquire the
Sherborne Missal in 2001?
5. What makes the St Cuthbert Gospel the oldest intact book in
Europe?
6. Who was responsible for the creation of the Bay Psalm Book,
and why is it significant?
7. Can you elaborate on the artistic and cultural value of the
Rothschild Prayerbook?
8. What record did the illustrated Shahnameh folio set for
Islamic art in 2011?
10. Tell me more about the 15th-century Quran manuscript and its
unique features.