When it comes to the world of rare books, collectors are willing to dig deep into their pockets to acquire literary treasures that hold both historical and cultural significance. These literary gems not only captivate the hearts of bibliophiles but also attract hefty price tags. In this blog post, we delve into the realm of the most expensive books ever sold, where fortunes were exchanged for pages of remarkable stories and profound knowledge. Join us on a journey through the pages of five of the priciest books to ever grace the market.
But are regular books always affordable?
Considering the prevailing situation, one could have reasonably expected such an outcome. However, I must confess that I was taken aback by the rapidity with which book prices appear to be soaring in recent times. Moreover, it seems increasingly arduous for avid readers to financially accommodate their desire to devour all the books they long to explore.
Fortunately, libraries exist.
The Internet and other technological developments have hindered the sales of conventionally printed books. People still read, but digital copies are now more widely available, more practical, and more affordable for both readers and publishers.
But have you ever wondered what the most costly books on the planet sell for?
I made the decision to look into that since I was really interested in it.
As I already mentioned, the value of paper books has not diminished at all, and it will likely continue to increase in the future. The auctioned rare copies, which, believe it or not, fetch millions of dollars, are evidence of it.
And our Five of The Priciest Books Ever Sold list proves all that…
Check out which books were able to command such high prices.
Geoffrey Chaucer, “The Canterbury Tales”
Original price: $7.5 million
Inflation-adjusted price: $12 million
Geoffrey Chaucer penned this collection of tales in the late 14th century. In 1998 in London, the first print run of this book was sold for 4.6 million pounds or around 7.5 million USD at the time. There are 10 known copies of that initial printing, and the last one in private hands cost just £6 in 1776.
John James Audubon, “Birds of America”
Original price: $11.5 million
Inflation-adjusted price: $13.8 million
There are only 119 complete copies of this book, which features pictures of different American birds. One of them sold for $7.9 million in January 2012, another for $8.8 million in 2000, and the most costly one sold for a staggering $11.5 million in December 2010.
St. Benedict’s “Gospel of Henry the Lion”
Original price: $11.7 million
Inflation-adjusted price: $30.73 million
One book that definitely belongs to our Five of The Priciest Books Ever Sold list. It was purchased by the German government in London in 1983 for 8,140, 000 pounds, or around 11.7 million dollars. There are 266 pages in the book, and there are images on 50 of those pages. This particular object is regarded as a masterpiece from the 12th century.
“The St. Cuthbert’s Gospel”
Original price: $14.3 million
Inflation-adjusted price: $15.95 million
It is a Latin-written pocketbook from the seventh century. One of the tiniest Anglo-Saxon manuscripts still in existence, this book has exquisitely adorned and finished leather covers. The most significant book in the world was purchased by the British Library for $14.3 million in 2012 following the commencement of a fundraising drive.
Leonardo da Vinci’s “Leicester Codex”
Original price: $30.8 million
Inflation-adjusted price: $54.4 million
In reality, Da Vinci’s most well-known work is a handwritten, 72-page notebook that contains his ideas, sketches, and musings.
It was the most expensive book ever sold when Bill Gates paid $30.8 million for it at an auction in 1994. It was quickly scanned by Gates, and the rest of the world may now access it. Yet, it still remains the most expensive item on our Five of The Priciest Books Ever Sold list and in the world.
You never know what unusual treasures you could come across in your closet, at a yard sale, or in your neighborhood used book store, even though the majority of book fans will never acquire a copy of these pricey and rare volumes.
Wow! Very pricey. Special editions can get very pricey today, but these are next level for sure.
I love seeing rare books like this. I follow a rare book collector on TikTok who shows his collection and my jaw drops at what he has. Yes, thank goodness for the library with the price of everything going up even more now.