The World’s Most Important Book

[188 words] What was billed as the world’s most expensive new book went on display in 2008 at the New York Public Library. There are more expensive old books, but this is a new book produced by the Italian publisher Marilena Ferrari. Its cost: over $100,000! The book depicts the life and work of Michelangelo, including photographs of his drawings and sculptures, creations from the Sistine Chapel, and his personal poetry. It weighs sixty-two pounds, has a front cover of white marble, and is covered with red silk velvet. Its paper is from one of Italy’s oldest paper mills—the mill where Picasso bought his art paper. Each copy takes six months to make, and comes with a 500-year warranty! More than 20 of the books have been sold to buyers around the world. These books are valuable because of the craft, quality of materials, and time that goes into their…