The biggest book in the world is an impressive feat of publishing and printing. Standing at over three feet tall, the Codex Gigas is the largest surviving medieval manuscript in the world. Dating back to the early 13th century, this tome is estimated to weigh around 165 pounds and holds over 310 pages of text.
The contents of the book are quite varied. It begins with an introduction to the Bible, and then travels on to include works of natural history, medicine, philosophy, and astrology. It even contains a page that is said to contain an image of the Devil, which only adds to the book’s mysterious and alluring presence.
The Codex Gigas is believed to have been written by a Benedictine monk by the name of Herman the Recluse. Legend has it that he was sentenced to death for breaking his monastic vows and in a desperate attempt to save himself, he wrote the enormous book in just one night. He was said to have made a pact with the Devil for the help in order to complete it.
The Codex Gigas remained in the Benedictine monastery of Podlazice until the 1600s, when it was handed over to the Swedish King and eventually became part of the Swedish Royal Library in Stockholm. It has been kept in the library ever since, making it one of the most important historical documents in the world.
The Codex Gigas is truly awe-inspiring to behold. Its sheer size and weight make it an impressive sight, and its contents are an invaluable resource for scholars and historians. Those lucky enough to have seen the book in person can attest to its overwhelming presence, and the sheer amount of work and effort that went into creating it.
