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SMU’s Bridwell Library to Host the World’s Most Valuable Book
On Monday, SMU’s Bridwell Library began the installation of a new exhibit that will feature the world’s most valuable book – the Codex Sassoon.
The Codex Sassoon
The Codex Sassoon is a 1,100-year-old, earliest, and most complete Hebrew Bible. According to SMU Bridwell Library Director Anthony Elia, older texts are highly valued because they have a connection to the past. The Codex Sassoon is expected to fetch between $30 million and $50 million at Sotheby’s auction in May, making it the most valuable book in the world. The Codex Sassoon is coming from Tel Aviv, and SMU will be the only university in the world to host the exhibit.
Other Rare Religious Texts on Exhibit
The exhibit at the SMU Bridwell Library will display other rare religious texts, including:
- A St. John’s Bible from Collegeville, Minnesota, which is over a decade old
- A Torah scroll from China, which is centuries old and highlights the cultural heritage of Jewish communities in China at that time
- A Gutenberg Bible and Catholicon, which are extremely rare and historically important
Codex Fest: Exhibit Details
The exhibit, titled Codex Fest, will be free for the public from Tuesday, April 18, through Thursday, April 20, 2023. However, reservations are necessary to attend the exhibit.
If you’re a lover of rare and historical books, the exhibit at the SMU Bridwell Library is a must-visit!
