The ‘Crosby-Schøyen Codex’, one of the oldest books in existence

🔊 Join Dr Eugenio Donadoni, Senior Specialist in Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts, and author and broadcaster Professor Bettany Hughes as they present the ‘Crosby-Schøyen Codex’, one of the oldest books in existence.

Dating from the middle of the 3rd century to the beginning of the 4th century, the book is written in Coptic on papyrus and contains the earliest complete texts of two books of the Bible. It is a fundamental witness to a development in the history of the book that would not be rivalled in significance until Gutenberg’s printing press and the 20th-century revolution in electronic publishing and communication.

This manuscript, alongside other pieces from the Schøyen Collection, are being offered at Christie’s London as part of a sale spanning 1,300 years of cultural history.

📍Explore highlights from the Schøyen collection at Christie’s London from 6 - 10 June!

📅Manuscript Masterpieces from the Schøyen Collection | 11 June | London

[skylarius]

can it still be called a book if it is in parts?

[wim]

I thought the oldest book known to man was the bible to be honest.