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Exploring History's Top Most Expensive Books: A Dive into Invaluable Pages

 "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?

9. How did the acquisition of the Book of Mormon by the Mormon Church impact its historical significance?

10. Tell me more about the 15th-century Quran manuscript and its unique features.

 


 

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