Books have long been celebrated for their ability to educate, motivate, and transport readers through time and location. But beyond his literary or intellectual value, some books distinguish the collector's items, taking charge of astronomical prices at auction around the world. These rare amounts are often associated with centuries-old, uniquely bound, or important historical figures, making them precious artifacts in the eyes of historians, galleries, and investors. From handwritten manuscripts to the first printed books in the English language, these treasures are preserved not only for their content but also for their cultural and historical importance by Leonardo da Vinci. The value tags associated with them indicate more than only rareness - they represent the value of human creativity, innovation, and heritage. In this article, we engage in the most expensive books sold so far, highlight the stories behind their record-breaking sales, and discuss the reasons they fascinate the world of collectors and scholars.
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1. Codex Leicester by Leonardo da Vinci
Price: $30.8 million
Sold: Bill Gates (1994)
The Codex is a notable 72-stage scientific manuscript written by Leester 1506 and 1510 by Leonardo da Vinci. This extraordinary work reflects the talent of Da Vinci through a collection of subjects, such as its principles, complex sketches, and subjects such as astronomy, water movement, and fossils. All this is well written in his unique mirror script. Currently owned by Bill Gates, who acquired it for record yoga, its pages have been digitally scanned, making this invaluable document accessible to the public. It stands as a testament to Da Vinci's undisputed curiosity and intensive scientific examination.
2. The Book of Mormon (Printing Manuscript)
Price: $35 million
Sold: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2017)
This is the original handwritten manuscript that was used to print the very first version of the Book of Mormon in 1830. Its existence is incredibly important to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) because it's a direct link to the foundational text of their faith. This makes it one of the most valuable and cherished documents in Mormon history, holding immense religious and cultural significance. While only about 28% of this fragile document survives today due to damage, its presence is crucial for both scholarly research and for members' spiritual connection to their church's beginnings.
3. Bay Psalm Book
Price:$14.2 Million
Sold: Sotheby's New York (2013)
The Bay Psalm Book, printed in 1640, holds a significant place in history as the first book ever published in British North America. In November 2013, a copy of the Bay Psalm Book was sold at auction for $14.2 million, setting a record at the time for a printed book. However, other books have since surpassed that price, including the Codex Leicester, the Book of Mormon Printer's Manuscript, and the Codex Sassoon. Only 11 copies of the Bay Psalm Book are known to exist today, making it incredibly rare and highly sought after by collectors and institutions due to its historical and cultural importance as a foundational document of American printing.
4. The Rothschild Prayer Book
Price: $13.6 Million
Sold: Christie's (2014)
This amazing 16th-century manuscript is a prime example of Flemish art from the period of great intellectual and artistic flourishing. Adorned with beautiful short paintings and sacred prayers, its extraordinary artistry made it highly valued by the aristocratic class. The complex description and magnificent content reflect the master craftsmanship of the time, which contributes to its significant value as a historical and artistic treasure.
5. The Birds of America
Price: $11.6 million
Sold: Sotheby's New York (2010)
The memorial book, John James Audubon's Birds of America, has 435 exquisite hand-painted paintings of North American birds. The remarkable description of its sheer shape and the portrayal of each life size made it an unprecedented achievement in natural history art. Today, there are about 120 complete copies left; its extreme rarity, combined with its breathtaking artistic beauty, strengthens its position as one of the most prestigious and historically important natural history books. It is a will for dedication.
6. Shakespeare's First Folio
Price: $ 9.98 million
Sold: Christie's (2020)
Published in 1623, seven years after William Shakespeare's death, the first Folio stands as a collected version of his plays. This monumental book is exceptionally important because without it, about half of Shakespeare's dramatic functions, including classics such as Macbeth and Julius Caesar, may have been lost forever. Its construction was the labor of love by his fellow actors, who demanded to maintain their legacy. Today, the first folio is exceptionally rare; only 235 copies are known to survive. Each existing copy is of a precious artifact, offering an invaluable window into the talent of one of the greatest playwrights in history.
7. Gutenberg Bible
Price:$5.4 million
Sold: Christie's (1987)
Around 1455, Gutenberg holds a monumental place in the Bible history, as the forest type is the first major book in Europe. This revolutionary innovation of Johannes Gutenberg marked the fixed point of the printing era, fundamentally changing how knowledge and information were spread. Earlier, books were copied by hand, making them rare and expensive. The composition of the Gutenberg Bible entered the era of mass production, which made the books more accessible and paved the way for comprehensive literacy and the spread of new ideas. Today, only 49 copies of this iconic and deeply impressive work survive, a testament to a significant moment in human history.
8. Canterbury Tales
Price: $7.5 Million
Sold: Christie's (1998)
Printed by William Caxton in 1477, this version holds immense significance as one of the very first books ever published in the English language. Its creation marks a pivotal moment: the true dawn of printed English literature. Before this, books were largely copied by hand, and English texts were less common in print. Caxton's press revolutionized the spread of knowledge and stories in the vernacular. The historical and literary value of this particular edition is enormous, representing a foundational step in the development and widespread dissemination of English writing. It stands as a testament to a revolutionary period in publishing history.
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