What is the Codex Gigas?
The Codex Gigas, also known as the ‘Devil’s Bible’, is one of the largest and most enigmatic medieval manuscripts in the world. Created in the 13th century in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), the codex is famous not only for its size – it is approximately 92 cm high and 50 cm wide – but also for its contents and the legend surrounding it.
The Codex Gigas, one of the most extraordinary and enigmatic works of all times
Explore the depths of history and legend with the Codex Gigas, one of the most extraordinary and enigmatic works of all time. Also known as ‘The Great Codex’ or ‘The Devil’s Bible’, the Codex Gigas is much more than just a book. It is a medieval masterpiece that defies convention and astonishes by its magnitude and content. This volume, written in the 13th century, is remarkable for its immense scale, stunning illustrations and mesmerising text. Its calligraphy indicates that it was written by a single person in impeccable Latin.
From its origins in the monastery of Podlažice in Bohemia to its current location in the National Library of Sweden, the Codex Gigas has fascinated scholars and enthusiasts alike. Who was the mysterious scribe behind this monumental work? How was a book of such dimensions created at such an early time in history?
Why buy the Codex Gigas fine facsimile from Patrimonio Ediciones
Now, thanks to Patrimonio Ediciones, you have the opportunity to own a faithful and detailed replica of the Codex Gigas. Immerse yourself in the pages of this historical treasure and discover the richness of its contents, from its enigmatic illustrations to its sacred and profane text. With Patrimonio Ediciones, you can hold this cultural treasure in your hands and explore its secrets for yourself.
Unique and limited edition of the worldwide Codex Gigas
Our fine facsimile of the Codex Gigas is a unique and limited worldwide edition. Made of 23K gold and vegetable parchment. Available in two versions: royal scale (10 unique copies) and golden scale (144 numbered and notarised fine facsimile copies).
Facsimile in 2 options: Real size 89×49 cm
or God’s scale 8:1, 11’1×6’1 cm
Location: National Library of Sweden
Document Code: Ms. A 148
Date: 13th century
Length: 624 pages 89×49 cm, consisting of 312 parchment folios made from the hides of 160 donkeys
Weight: 75 kilos, thickness 22 centimetres.
Illustrations: 2 full-page illustrations, 1 portrait of Flavius Josephus, hundreds of initials and capitulars lavishly illuminated in gold
World edition with 23K gold: Unique and limited.
A) Original size 89×49 cm 10 unique fine facsimile.
B) Golden scale 8:1, 11’1×6’1 cm; 144 facsimile copies numbered and notarially authenticated.
The folio of the portrait of the Devil is given as a gift, life-size, to the first 66 subscribers.
INCLUDING THE BIBLE · INCANTATIONS AND INDECIPHERABLE MAGIC FORMULAE · WRITINGS ON EXORCISM · MEDICAL WORKS · ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS · CHRONICA BOEMORUM · CALENDAR · ENCYCLOPAEDIA ETYMONOLOGIAE BY ISIDORE OF SEVILLE AND OTHERS.
The world’s largest medieval manuscript
Legend has it that a reclusive monk undertook to create the manuscript in a single day, with all the knowledge of mankind, in exchange for saving his life. Seeing himself unable to achieve such a feat, he made a pact with the Devil to complete it, Satan agreed on the condition that his portrait would appear.
Such a combination of texts exists nowhere else, described by Christopher de Hamel, professor at Cambridge University as “a most peculiar, strange, fascinating, rare and inexplicable object”. It is priceless, has been stolen many times and was kept secretly, along with the Voynich Codex, by Rudolf II of Habsburg, Holy Roman Germanic Emperor, in his Cabinet of Wonders.
In the collection of Emperor Rudolf II, nephew of King Philip II of Spain, one could see a supposed unicorn’s horn, stuffed mutant animals, the skeleton of a giant and its star piece: the Codex Gigas, also known as the Devil’s Bible.
Codex Gigas: The ‘Devil’s Bible’ reduced to God’s golden scale
The Codex Gigas, also known as the ‘Giant Book’ or ‘Devil’s Manuscript’, is one of the most intriguing and mysterious medieval manuscripts in the world. This monumental book is famous for its colossal size, its unusual contents and its legend involving the devil himself. Over the centuries, the Codex Gigas has captured the imagination of historians, scholars and paranormal enthusiasts. This article will delve into the history and mysteries surrounding this masterpiece of the Middle Ages.
The Codex Gigas is a medieval manuscript dating from the 13th century, created in the Podlažice Monastery in what is now the Czech Republic. The story of its creation is a mystery in itself, as the identity of the author and the precise circumstances in which it was written are unknown. A palaeographic study of its text proves that a single scribe worked on the manuscript for around 30 years, as the work is impressive in both its content and its size. It is 89 cm high, 49 cm wide and weighs about 75 kg, making it the largest medieval manuscript in the world.
The Czech government paid ten million dollars to the Swedish government to temporarily exhibit the Codex Gigas in Prague
A unique content
The Codex Gigas contains a variety of texts covering religious, historical and scientific subjects. Its most prominent content is the Latin Vulgate Bible, which occupies about half of the manuscript. In addition to the Bible, the Codex Gigas includes a copy of Isidore of Seville’s ‘Etymologiae’, an encyclopaedia of the Middle Ages covering a wide range of subjects from theology to zoology. 
The legend of the ‘Devil’s Manuscript’
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Codex Gigas is the presence of a disturbing illustration depicting the devil in all his grisly glory. This image is the source of the legend of the ‘Devil’s Manuscript’. It suggests that the scribe made a pact with Satan to complete the work in a single night in exchange for his soul. Although this story is based more on fantasy than reality, the presence of this intriguing image has contributed to the fame of the Codex Gigas.
Theories and speculation
Rudolf II of Habsburg
The legend of the ‘Devil’s Manuscript’ has given rise to numerous theories and speculations over the centuries. Although it is unlikely that a scribe would have made a pact with the devil, history has fuelled the perception that the Codex Gigas is a cursed work. Over the centuries, the Codex Gigas was the bearer of a supposed curse that caused it to change ‘residence’ for a long time. It was finally picked up by invaders to the rule of Rudolf II, who came from Sweden, and who gave the present to their queen Christina, who longed to possess the greatest library of her time.
Exhibitions of the Codex Gigas outside Sweden
Since the 17th century, the Codex Gigas has left Swedish territory on two occasions:
- 1970: the Codex Gigas left Sweden for the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
- 2007: on 24 September 2007, after 359 years, the Codex Gigas returned to Prague on loan from Sweden until January 2008, exhibited in the Czech National Library, protected by an armoured display case.
Legacy and Significance of the Codex Gigas
The Codex Gigas is a masterpiece of medieval writing and illumination. Beyond its legend and impressive size, the manuscript is valuable for its contribution to the preservation of the culture and history of the Middle Ages. It offers a unique insight into the mentality of the time and the religious and scientific beliefs of that period.
The Codex Gigas is much more than just a historical curiosity. It is a testament to the skill and dedication of medieval scribes. It is also a reminder of how history and legend are often intertwined in intriguing mystery. As it continues to fascinate generations of people, the Codex Gigas remains a symbol of the rich cultural heritage that has come down to us from ancient times.
Legacy of the Codex Gigas Manuscript
Size and Design: It is the largest known manuscript book, making it an impressive example of the skill of the copyist monks of the time. Its creation required a monumental effort, as it consists of 310 sheets of parchment.
- Content: The Codex Gigas contains the Latin Bible, as well as a variety of historical, medical and encyclopaedic texts, making it a multidisciplinary work. Its contents reflect the knowledge of the time and the importance of religion in medieval life.
- Legend: The story behind its creation is almost as famous as the codex itself. According to legend, a monk was condemned to death and, to atone for his sins, vowed to create a book that would glorify God in a single night. To achieve this, he made a pact with the devil, which gave him the necessary speed. This myth has contributed to its nickname of the ‘Devil’s Bible’.
Its Significance
- Cultural and Historical: The Codex Gigas is an important cultural legacy that offers insight into medieval life and spirituality. It reflects the fusion of the literature, religion and science of its time.
- Aesthetics and Technique: The quality of the work, including its illustrations and calligraphy, is testimony to the high artistic level achieved by medieval monks. The large illustration of the devil, found in its pages, is one of the most famous and has fuelled numerous interpretations.
- Research and Conservation: The codex has been the object of study for its history, artistic value and content. Today it is preserved in the National Library of Sweden, where it continues to fascinate historians, bibliophiles and the curious.
In short, the Codex Gigas is a symbol of the complexity and richness of medieval culture, an object of admiration both for its physical grandeur and for the stories that surround it. Its legacy lives on, enriching our understanding of the history and art of the period.
If you would like to obtain a fine facsimile of the Codex Gigas, do not hesitate to contact our expert cabinet to obtain the best advice and further information about the production of this limited edition of the manuscript.
