An amazing book was just sold at auction in the United Kingdom. The book in the picture is a 7th century gospel that was found in the tomb of St. Cuthbert more than 900 years ago. While I’m not a big fan of digging up old saints, it was amazing that this book was still in such good condition. It is believed to be the oldest European book to survive fully intact.
Here’s why I am so excited about this: It is a sad fact that most medieval and renaissance texts are worth far more if they are disassembled and the pages are sold individually, rather than sold as an intact book. Time and again ancient treasures have been broken down into their parts for sale.
St. Cuthbert’s gospel was purchased by the British Library for around $14 million dollars. I am grateful they were able to pull the funds together to be able to save this magnificent treasure!
You can read more about this book here, where there are a few additional pictures as well.