Did you know about these 5 rare books in the world?
The world of rare books is a fascinating one, full of stories and history. From ancient manuscripts to first-edition prints, the rarity and cultural significance of these books make them some of the most valuable items in the world.
Let’s explore some of the most valuable and rare books known to exist.
Codex Leicester by Leonardo da Vinci
This 72-page manuscript, written by Leonardo da Vinci in the 16th century, is considered one of the most valuable books in the world. It is a collection of the artist’s observations and ideas about a range of subjects, including water, the movement of celestial bodies, and the nature of fossils. In 1994, Bill Gates bought the Codex Leicester for a record-breaking $30.8 million at an auction in New York.
The Gutenberg Bible
The Gutenberg Bible is considered one of the first books to be printed using movable type, revolutionizing the world of printing in the 15th century. Only around 48 copies of the book are known to exist today, making it one of the rarest books in the world. In 1987, a copy of the Gutenberg Bible was sold for $5.4 million, setting a new world record for the most expensive book at the time.
The First Folio by William Shakespeare
The First Folio is a collection of 36 plays by William Shakespeare, published in 1623, seven years after the playwright’s death. It is considered one of the most valuable books in the world due to its historical significance and the fact that it contains many of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, including Macbeth, Julius Caesar, and The Tempest. A copy of the First Folio sold for $6.16 million in 2001, setting a new world record for the most expensive book sold at auction.
The Birds of America by John James Audubon
The Birds of America is a collection of 435 hand-colored, life-sized prints of North American birds, published between 1827 and 1838. It is considered one of the finest ornithological works ever completed and is highly valued by collectors. In 2010, a copy of The Birds of America sold for $11.5 million, making it the most expensive book sold at auction at the time.
The Book of Kells
The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript produced by Irish monks in the 9th century. It contains the four Gospels of the New Testament, as well as other texts and decorative elements. The book is considered one of the finest examples of medieval Irish art and is highly prized by collectors. In 2000, a portion of the Book of Kells was sold for $14.3 million, making it one of the most valuable books in the world.
The 5 books mentioned here are among the most prized and golden collections of words. While some are first-ever printed books, some have traveled from our ancestors.It does not matter whether you are an avid reader or book lover or even if you are a collector, some books just stand out for the age old treasures they contain, offering historical and cultural value, more than anything else.
