The Codex Leicester is the most expensive book ever sold. The Codex Leicester is a collection of largely scientific writings by Leonardo da Vinci.Physically, the Codex takes the form of 18 sheets of paper, each folded in half and written on both sides, forming the complete 72-page document. At one time the sheets were bound together, but they are now displayed separately. It was handwritten in Italian by Leonardo, using his characteristic mirror writing, and supported by copious drawings and diagrams.
In 1994 Bill Gates bought it at auction for $30.8 million, making it the most expensive book ever, and renamed it the Codex Leicester. The Codex is put on public display once a year in a different city around the world. In 2004 it was exhibited in the Château de Chambord, and in 2005 in Tokyo. One page was exhibited at the Seattle Museum of Flight's 2006 exhibit "Leonardo da Vinci: Man, Inventor, Genius." From June to August 2007, the codex will be the centerpiece of a two month exhibition hosted by the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin, Ireland.
You can find more about Codex Leicester at www.odranoel.de
Article Sources: Forbes.com and Wikipedia.com
Labels: Antiques, Books
No comments:
Post a Comment