Top 15+ Most Expensive Books (2025) You Can Actually Buy on Amazon (Ranked)
Books have always been a source of knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration for people all over the world. From the ancient scrolls to the modern e-books, books have evolved and adapted to the changing times. However, there are some books that have stood the test of time and have become priceless treasures for book lovers. These books are not just valuable because of their content, but also because of their rarity and historical significance. In this article, we will take a look at the top 15+ most expensive books that you can actually buy on Amazon in 2025.
1. The Codex Leicester – $30.8 million
Topping the list is The Codex Leicester, a collection of scientific writings by Leonardo da Vinci. This 72-page notebook is named after Thomas Coke, the Earl of Leicester, who purchased it in 1717. It contains da Vinci’s observations and theories on various subjects such as astronomy, geology, and water flow. In 1994, Bill Gates bought the Codex Leicester for $30.8 million, making it the most expensive book ever sold.
2. The Gutenberg Bible – $25 million
Considered one of the most important books in the history of printing, the Gutenberg Bible was the first book to be printed using movable type in the 15th century. Only 49 copies of this Bible are known to exist, and one of them was sold for $25 million in 1987.
3. The Birds of America – $11.5 million
Written and illustrated by John James Audubon, The Birds of America is a collection of 435 life-size watercolor paintings of North American birds. It is considered one of the greatest achievements in ornithology and art. In 2010, a copy of this book was sold for $11.5 million, making it the most expensive book sold at an auction.
4. The Canterbury Tales – $7.5 million
The Canterbury Tales is a collection of 24 stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century. It is considered one of the greatest works of English literature and has been translated into many languages. In 1998, a copy of this book was sold for $7.5 million, making it the most expensive book of English literature ever sold.
5. The First Atlas – $6.2 million
The First Atlas, also known as the Cosmographia, was published by Claudius Ptolemy in 1477. It is the first printed atlas and contains maps of the known world at that time. In 2005, a copy of this book was sold for $6.2 million, making it the most expensive atlas ever sold.
6. The Tales of Beedle the Bard – $3.98 million
Written and illustrated by J.K. Rowling, The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a collection of fairy tales from the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Only seven copies of this book were created, and one of them was sold for $3.98 million in 2007.
7. The Gospels of Henry the Lion – $11.7 million
The Gospels of Henry the Lion is a 12th-century illuminated manuscript that contains the four gospels of the New Testament. It is considered one of the most important medieval manuscripts and was sold for $11.7 million in 1983.
8. The Rothschild Prayer Book – $13.4 million
The Rothschild Prayer Book is a 16th-century illuminated manuscript that contains prayers and devotional texts. It is considered one of the most beautiful and luxurious books ever created. In 1999, it was sold for $13.4 million, making it the most expensive book sold at an auction at that time.
9. The Bay Psalm Book – $14.2 million
The Bay Psalm Book is the first book printed in British North America in 1640. It is a translation of the Book of Psalms and is considered one of the rarest books in the world. In 2013, a copy of this book was sold for $14.2 million, making it the most expensive book ever sold at an auction in the United States.
10. The St. Cuthbert Gospel – $14.3 million
The St. Cuth