Friday, April 24, 2009

Ever Sold Auction

"The most expensive book or manuscript ever sold at an auction was “The Codex Hammer”, a notebook belonging to Leonardo da Vinci. It sold for $30.8 million."

The Codex Leicester is a collection of largely scientific writings by Leonardo da Vinci. The codex is named after Thomas Coke, later created Earl of Leicester, who purchased it in 1717. Of Leonardo's 30 scientific journals, the Codex may be the most famous of all.The Codex provides a rare insight into the inquiring mind of the definitive Renaissance artist, scientist and thinker as well as an exceptional illustration of the link between art and science and the creativity of the scientific process.

The manuscript does not take the form of a single linear script, but is rather a mixture of Leonardo's observations and theories on astronomy; the properties of water, rocks, and fossils; air, and celestial light. The Codex was purchased in 1980 by wealthy industrialist, art collector, and philanthropist Armand Hammer from the Leicester estate, and renamed the Codex Hammer. In 1994, Bill Gates bought it at auction for US$30.8 million, making it the most expensive book ever, and renamed it the Codex Leicester.


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