Books have been considered as man’s best friends as they impart knowledge, besides being an amazing source of entertainment. This is the reason why man has never been dissuaded from spending big amounts on these storehouses of knowledge.
Here is a list of 10 most expensive books ever:
10. Shakespeare First Folio
The first folio of Shakespeare, also known as Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories & Tragedies, features next in the list with a price of $ 8.2 million. The book, which was published in 1623, was sold in 2001.
9. Copy of the Constitution 1789
Copy of the Constitution, Bill of Rights and other key acts of the First Constitution in 1789 that created by George Washington, this extraordinary piece of work was bought by a nonprofit organization called Mount Vernon Ladies Association in 2012, commanding a price of $ 10.2 million.
8. The Canterbury Tales
Next on the list of 10 most expensive books ever is the classic by Geoffrey Chaucer, “The Canterbury Tales”, which was sold in 1998 for a whopping price of $ 11.1 million. The great work was published in 1477 by the English printer, William Caxton.
7. The Birds of America
Next on the list of 10 most expensive books ever is once again the classic called “The Birds of America”, with another one of its copy bought by art dealer Michael Tollemache in 2010 for a huge price of $ 12.6 million.
6. The Rothschild Prayerbook
“The Rothschild Prayerbook” is a devotional work, which is a part of a collection taken over by the Nazis, back in 1938. It was sold in 2014 for a price of $ 13.9 million, earning it a place on this list.
5. Bay Psalm Book
Featuring on number 5 in the list of the 10 most expensive books ever is the book called “Bay Psalm Book”, one of whose prized 11 copies fetched an amazing price of $ 14.5 million. The book was purchased by Rubenstein in 2013.
4. St. Cuthbert Gospel
“St. Cuthbert Gospel”, a exemplary work which dates back to the 7th century, is another highly prized book which has commanded an amazing price of $ 15.1 million. This Latin gospel book was bought by the British Library in 2012.
3. Magna Carta
Next on the list of 10 most expensive books ever is the handwritten historic document called “Magna Carta”, which was published long ago in 1297. It was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for a whopping $ 24.5 million in 2007 and American financer David Rubenstein bagged it.
2. The Gospels of Henry the Lion Order of St Benedict
“The Gospels of Henry the Lion Order of St Benedict” is the second most expensive book ever sold, going at a huge price of $ 28 million, when it was bought by the German Government in 1983. Commissioned by the Duke of Saxony, this brilliant 12th century single copy work has as many as 50 unmatched illustrations.
1. Codex Leicester
The costliest book ever is the famous 72 page document called “Codex Leicester”, the work of Leonardo da Vinci, which throws light on subjects like astronomy, air, water and rocks. The book was bought by tycoon Bill Gates in 1994 for a huge price of $ 49.4 million.
All these books have truly been the epitomes of knowledge and wisdom, which is why they have been able to command incredible prices.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.