BrainStuff Season 2 Episode 13 What's The Most Expensive Book In The World?

BrainStuff season 2 episode 13, titled "What's The Most Expensive Book In The World?" is an exploration of the world of rare books, and the lengths that collectors will go to acquire them. The episode delves into the history of book collecting, from the earliest bibliophiles of ancient Greece and Rome to the modern-day enthusiasts who scour the globe for the rarest volumes.

Host Cristen Conger begins by questioning what makes a book valuable, and explains that rarity and condition are two key factors. She then shares the story of a man who found a 500-year-old book in a dumpster and sold it for $30,000, illustrating the potential value of rare books.

Conger then introduces viewers to some of the most famous and valuable books in history, such as the Gutenberg Bible, the first book printed with movable type, and Shakespeare's First Folio, the first collection of his plays published in 1623. She discusses the scarcity of these books and explains why they are so valuable.

Moving on to the topic of the most expensive books in the world, Conger reveals that the current record holder is the Codex Leicester, a manuscript by Leonardo da Vinci that sold for $30.8 million in 1994 to Microsoft founder Bill Gates. Conger details the history and contents of the Codex Leicester, which includes Leonardo's scientific observations and theories.

She then discusses other contenders for the title of most expensive book, including the Bay Psalm Book, the first book printed in what is now the United States, which sold for $14.2 million in 2013, and a copy of Audubon's Birds of America, which sold for $11.5 million in 2010. Conger explains why these books are so valuable and gives context for their historical significance.

Throughout the episode, Conger interviews experts in the field of rare books, including book dealers, collectors, and historians. They provide insight into the world of book collecting, the meticulous methods used to care for and preserve rare volumes, and the joy that comes from discovering a new and valuable addition to a collection.

Ultimately, "What's The Most Expensive Book In The World?" is a fascinating exploration of the interplay between art, history, and commerce in the world of rare books. Conger's deep knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for the subject make for an engaging and informative episode that will appeal to anyone with an interest in books and the passion that inspires collectors to pursue them.