Ancient Book Anticipated to Surpass $2.6m in Auction
An ancient manuscript, considered one of the earliest books ever created, is projected to exceed the $2.6m mark during an upcoming auction event.
One of the oldest books in the world is set to be sold at an auction later this year, with an estimated price of over $2.6m.
The Crosby-Schøyen Codex, written in Coptic on papyrus in Egypt, is considered the earliest Christian liturgical book. Christie's, an international auction house, will be hosting the sale in London on June 11.
A single scribe spent 40 years writing the codex, consisting of 52 leaves or 104 pages, at a monastery in upper Egypt.
Carbon dating indicates that the book is from the middle of the 3rd to 4th centuries. The codex contains the first epistle of Peter and the Book of Jonah, making it one of the earliest pieces of evidence of Christianity spreading.
The painted decoration of the tomb of Seneb-nebef at Dahshur/Egypt.
The painted decoration of the tomb of Seneb-nebef at Dahshur/Egypt.
St.J.Seidlmayer/DAIK
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Colorful paintings depicting daily life have been discovered in a 4,300-year-old Egyptian tomb. The pages containing these paintings are safely preserved behind plexiglass and stored in two lockable wooden boxes. Christie’s, a renowned auction house, has estimated that the paintings could fetch a price between $2.6m and $3.8m at auction.
The Bodmer Papyri, including the codex, were found in the 1950s and include biblical texts, Christian writings, and pagan literary texts.
The codex was later obtained by the University of Mississippi until 1981. It changed owners a few times in the 1980s before being bought by Norwegian manuscript collector Martin Schøyen in 1988. This makes the codex the oldest known book in private possession.
Eugenio Donadoni, a senior specialist for books and manuscripts at Christie’s in London, mentioned in an email to CNN that the item will be interesting to both institutions and private collectors.
Some of the "pages" are fragmented, but the condition of the codex is otherwise "exceptional," according to Christie's.
Some of the "pages" are fragmented, but the condition of the codex is otherwise "exceptional," according to Christie's.
Christie's Images LTD. 2024
The Crosby-Schøyen is considered a significant witness to the cultural and textual transmission development, and in the history of the book. This importance would not be matched until Gutenberg's printing press and the 20th-century electronic publishing and communication revolution.
It is also one of the earliest examples of the book in its familiar form today. Being the earliest book in private possession, it is highly unlikely that anything similar will be available for auction again.
Donadoni emphasized the significance of the book, stating that it is a crucial witness to the early spread of Christianity in the Mediterranean. The earliest monks in Upper Egypt at the first Christian monastery used this book for Easter celebrations, only a few hundred years after Christ and about a hundred years after the last Gospel was written.
He also mentioned that the book contains the two earliest complete texts of 1 Peter and Jonah, which were both used in the Easter services held during that time.
B. De Cupere
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The codex's remarkable preservation is credited to the favorable climatic conditions in Egypt where it was found, as detailed in Christie's catalogue.
Christie's has included the codex in The Schøyen Collection, a vast collection of manuscript masterpieces that is hailed as one of the most extensive and significant collections of manuscripts ever put together.
The collection featured on its website is more than just a private or national public collection. It covers 1,300 years of cultural history and includes valuable manuscripts like the Crosby-Schoyen Codex, the Holkham Hebrew Bible, and the Geraardsbergen Bible. Additionally, it contains Greek literature, humanist masterpieces, a book once owned by a Saint, early English law, a significant Scottish chronicle, and the oldest known book-binding.
Currently, the codex is displayed at Christie's New York and will be available for viewing until April 9.
Editor's P/S:
The Crosby-Schøyen Codex, an ancient Christian liturgical book from the 3rd to 4th centuries, is a testament to the early spread of Christianity and the development of the book as we know it today. Its upcoming auction at Christie's in London is a significant event, as it represents a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of religious, cultural, and literary history. The codex's exceptional condition and the fact that it is the oldest known book in private possession make it a highly valuable and coveted item.
The codex's contents, including the first epistle of Peter and the Book of Jonah, provide valuable insights into the early Christian practices and beliefs. The book's existence and widespread use in the first Christian monastery in Upper Egypt demonstrate the rapid growth and influence of Christianity in the Mediterranean region during the early centuries AD. Its preservation also sheds light on the climatic conditions and storage methods that have allowed ancient artifacts to survive for centuries. The codex's upcoming auction is a reminder of the enduring legacy of Christianity and the importance of preserving and studying our cultural heritage.
