CODEX GIGAS Devil's Bible Reproduction Medieval Manuscript, Deluxe Leatherback

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• Materials: leather, paper

Codex Gigas – The Devil’s Bible (12th Century) | Deluxe Facsimile Edition

Offered here is a luxury facsimile edition of the Codex Gigas, widely known as the Devil’s Bible, the largest surviving medieval manuscript in the world. Created in the early 13th century (c. 1204–1230) in the Kingdom of Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic), the original manuscript is today preserved at the National Library of Sweden.

The Codex Gigas is legendary not only for its monumental size, but also for the extraordinary breadth of its contents, which include a complete Latin Bible, historical chronicles, medical texts, calendars, and medieval magical formulas.

The Legend of the Devil’s Bible
According to a medieval legend already circulating in the Middle Ages, the manuscript was written by a single monk who, having broken his vows, was condemned to be walled up alive. In a desperate attempt to escape his fate, he vowed to complete a book in one night that would glorify the monastery and contain all human knowledge. Realizing the task was impossible, he is said to have invoked the Devil for help — and later included the famous full-page portrait of Lucifer as tribute.

While this legend has no historical basis, it powerfully reflects the awe inspired by the manuscript. Modern estimates suggest that the calligraphy alone would have required at least twenty years of continuous writing by a single scribe.

Illumination & Iconography
Among the manuscript’s most striking features are:
The famous full-page portrait of the Devil
The opposing image of Heavenly Jerusalem
Symbolic marginal illustrations representing Heaven and Earth
Author portrait of Josephus Flavius in Antiquities of the Jews

These images underscore the manuscript’s unique visual and theological contrasts between salvation and darkness.

About This Facsimile Edition
This edition has been produced as a high-quality facsimile, faithfully reproducing the visual character of the original manuscript while adapting it to a more practical format.

Format: approx. 600 pages
Page size: 41 × 24 cm / 9.45 × 16.2 inches
Binding: Deluxe black leather binding with gold-foil lettering
Language: Latin
Edition: Limited to 599 copies

Hand-bound by a master bookbinder and medieval manuscript specialist with 40 years’ experience in book restoration. A full-scale reproduction matching the original dimensions is available upon request.

Original Manuscript (for reference)
Approx. 36 inches tall
Approx. 20 inches wide
Approx. 9 inches thick
Weight: approx. 165 lbs (75 kg)

Shipping & Customs
FREE Worldwide Express Shipping via FedEx / UPS

USA Buyers:
✔️ No customs duties
✔️ No extra charges
Printed books are exempt from U.S. customs duties — you pay nothing beyond the item price.

Ideal For
Rare book collectors
Medieval & manuscript enthusiasts
Libraries, museums, and institutions
Academic study or distinguished display