Book collectors, driven by a passion for literature and history, often invest substantial sums in acquiring rare and unique editions. The late Charlie Watts, legendary drummer for The Rolling Stones and a devoted book enthusiast left behind a diverse collection of literary treasures. In 2023, Christie’s auctioned this remarkable collection, which included rare first-edition books signed by literary giants such as Agatha Christie, Eric Ambler, Leon Bakst, Samuel Beckett, W.B. Yeats, G.K. Chesterton, and Arthur Conan Doyle.
Two standout pieces from Watts’ collection achieved staggering prices at the auction. His personal copy of Agatha Christie’s “The Thirteen Problems” set a new record for the highest price ever achieved for an Agatha Christie book, fetching an impressive $63,968 (Rs 53 lakh approx.), thanks to its exceptionally rare dust jacket and wrap-around band. Additionally, Watts’ copy of Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles” was sold for a staggering $226,555 (Rs 1.8 crore approx.), marking a new record for any printed book by Doyle.
While Watts’ books commanded hefty prices, they are just a glimpse into the world of the most expensive books ever sold. Here, we delve into the top five according to Forbes.
Codex Leicester:
In 1994, Bill Gates acquired Leonardo da Vinci’s “Codex Leicester” manuscript for an astonishing $30.8 million (Rs 256 crore approx.), a figure that would be $64.68 million (Rs 537 crore approx.) in today’s currency. This 16th-century masterpiece is a collection of da Vinci’s scientific writings, focusing on water, geology, and astronomy. The Codex Leicester, featuring sketches, diagrams, and notes in da Vinci’s characteristic “mirror writing,” was exhibited in Florence to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the artist’s passing.
The Codex Sassoon:
The Codex Sassoon, a near-complete Hebrew Bible dating back to the 9th century, made history when it was sold at Sotheby’s in May for an astounding $38.1 million (Rs 316 crore approx.). Beyond being a religious text, this ancient manuscript reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Jewish community and was purchased for gifting to the ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv.
The Book of Mormon:
In 2017, The Mormon Church acquired a handwritten copy of “The Book of Mormon” for $35 million (Rs 291 crore approx.). This manuscript is believed to have been transcribed from the original golden plates and was entirely funded through donations. The purchase adds another layer to the historical and religious significance of this handwritten copy.
Magna Carta:
In 2007, a 725-year-old copy of the Magna Carta, a document designed to limit the power of the king and protect the rights of barons, fetched an impressive $21.3 million (Rs 177 crore approx.) at Sotheby’s. This historic manuscript has been on public display since 1988, with very few copies preserved, including at the British Library and Salisbury Cathedral.
Gospels of Henry The Lion:
The illuminated manuscript, “Gospels of Henry the Lion,” dating back to the 12th century and commissioned by the German Duke of Saxony, was sold for an impressive $20.7 million (Rs 172 crore approx.) in 1983. This Romanesque masterpiece contains the text of the four Gospels of the New Testament, showcasing the tradition of embellishing texts with lavish decorations and illustrations.
