CODEX HAMMER / CODEX LEICESTER in Deluxe Burgundy Leather
The Most Expensive Books Ever Sold in the History!
AUTHOR: LEONARDO DA VINCI
LANGUAGE: ITALIAN, BACKWARDS
DATE: 1506-1513
SINGLE VOLUME - 73 pages
BINDING TYPE: LUXURIOUS BURGUNDY LEATHERBOUND- GOLD FOIL LETTERING ON THE COVER
DIMENSIONS: A4 / 210 x 297cm / 8.3" x 11.7"
The English translation (supplementary booklet) is shipped together with the original leatherbound book, making it suitable not only for scientific study and research, but also for immediate consultation.
The most highly valued Leonardo Codex of the last few years, whose original was purchased in 1994 by Bill Gates for $ 30,000,000.
The Codex Hammer, also known as the Codex Leicester, is a remarkable collection of scientific writings by Leonardo da Vinci.
Origin and Content:
The Codex Hammer was compiled between 1506 and 1513, during the period when Leonardo divided his time between short stays in Florence and returning to Milan under the protection of the French king, Louis XII1.
This leather-bound notebook comprises 36 sheets, each measuring 29 × 22 cm. It is not a single linear script but a mixture of Leonardo’s observations and theories on various subjects, including astronomy, water properties, rocks, fossils, air, and celestial light.
Among the topics addressed:
Fossils: Leonardo speculated about why fossils of sea creatures could be found on mountains, proposing that mountains had once been sea beds, gradually lifted to form mountains.
Water Flow: The movement of water was a central theme. Leonardo wrote about river currents, bridge construction, and erosion based on his observations.
Moon Luminosity: He speculated that the Moon’s surface is covered by water, reflecting sunlight. He also described the phenomenon of planet shine, where sunlight reflected from Earth causes a pale glow on the dark portion of the crescent Moon.
Historical Owners:
Originally named after Thomas Coke, Earl of Leicester, who purchased it in 1717, the codex changed hands over the years.
In 1980, the wealthy industrialist and art collector Armand Hammer acquired it from the Leicester estate for $5.1 million. He then renamed it the Codex Hammer.
Bill Gates’ Acquisition:
In 1994, Bill Gates purchased the Codex Hammer at auction for an astounding $30,802,500, making it the most expensive manuscript ever sold at the time.
It now resides in the Bill Gates Collection in Seattle, where it continues to provide indispensable insights into Leonardo’s genius and natural observations.
The Codex Hammer remains a testament to Leonardo’s interdisciplinary approach, bridging art and science. Its pages contain both written notes and intricate diagrams, showcasing his creativity and curiosity.
Fascinating depictions of water currents and other natural phenomena allow us to trace Leonardo’s exact observations, providing an intimate glimpse into the mind of this Renaissance polymath.
Shipped with Free Express FEDEX delivery to worldwide with real time tracking number.