A Significant Event in Literary History

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In what marks a significant event in literary history, a revered relic from ancient Egypt, believed to be one of the oldest extant books, is poised to command a staggering sum of over $2.6 million at an upcoming auction in London, scheduled for June. Dubbed the Crosby-Schoyen Codex, this remarkable tome, inscribed in Coptic on papyrus during the pivotal period of 250-350 AD, heralds the transition from traditional papyrus scrolls to the codex format synonymous with modern books. Christie’s, the esteemed auction house overseeing the sale, has placed its estimated value between $2.6 million to $3.8 million which marks as a significant event in literary history, underscoring its immense historical and cultural significance.

Eugenio Donadoni, Senior Specialist in Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts at Christie’s, highlighted the pivotal juncture represented by the codex, noting, “It’s right at that period, that transitional period when papyrus scroll starts turning into codex form.” Within its weathered pages, meticulously penned by a solitary scribe over four decades within an Egyptian monastery, lies a precious glimpse into early Christian literature. The codex shelters the earliest known textual renditions of two biblical works: the first epistle of Peter and the Book of Jonah, encapsulating the essence of Christian faith during its nascent stages.

Preserved behind layers of plexiglass, the 104 pages (52 leaves) of the Crosby-Schoyen Codex stand as a testament to Egypt’s arid climate, which facilitated its remarkable preservation over centuries. Donadoni underscored this, noting, “All the major finds of Christian manuscripts that we had in the 20th century and at the end of the 19th century are all concentrated in Egypt for those very precise climactic conditions.” Such climatic favorability has ensured the survival of only a select few manuscripts from the 3rd and 4th centuries, further elevating the codex’s rarity and allure.

Discovered in Egypt during the 1950s, the codex journeyed across continents before finding its current custodian in Norwegian manuscript collector Dr. Martin Schoyen. Acquired in 1988, it became a prized possession within the illustrious Schoyen Collection, among the most expansive private repositories of manuscripts globally. Now, after decades under Schoyen’s guardianship, the Crosby-Schoyen Codex prepares to embark on a new chapter as it graces the auction block.

Christie’s New York plays host to a limited-time exhibition of the codex from April 2 through April 9, offering enthusiasts and scholars alike a rare opportunity to behold this ancient marvel. As anticipation mounts, collectors and aficionados eagerly await the climax of its journey, set to unfold in London on June 11, when the gavel falls on this extraordinary piece of literary antiquity.