Monaco - Codex Gigas - 2024

The Devil's Bible, also known as the Gigas Codex, is one of the most enigmatic and fascinating manuscripts of the Middle Ages.
75 kilos. 624 pages. This is the weight of the mysterious Codex, which literally means 'great book' and is considered the largest medieval manuscript in the world. This heavy manual, written in Latin, contains a dark legend that began in the Podlažice Monastery in Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic) in 1230. It is also known as the Devil's Bible.
According to experts, it took about 30 years to write a book containing the Old and New Testaments; two works by Flavius Josephus: the Ars Medicinae, or Art of Medicine; the Etymologies of Isidore of Seville; a calendar; and the Chronicle of the Bohemians by Cosmas of Prague, among other enigmatic texts. However, according to myth, the Codex was handwritten in a single night by a man, a Benedictine monk known as Herman the Recluse, whose intent was to redeem himself or save his life on the eve of his execution. The only way the monk believed he could accomplish this impossible task was with the help of the devil. Thus, after selling his soul, the scribe was able to complete the task and gain freedom.
According to legend, this pact with the devil may explain why the Prince of Darkness is depicted so prominently on one of the pages of the codex. However, the origin of this legend is unknown, and it is suspected that it was propagated through religion.

Codex Gigas – Unique Handcrafted Replica

This one-of-a-kind replica of the Codex Gigas has been created with an aged, antique finish designed to closely evoke the appearance and atmosphere of the original medieval manuscript. Every element has been crafted by hand, beginning with the full-color prints produced on Ivory-toned paper from the Oria mill, with a weight of 120 g/m² and an opacity of 96%, chosen to emulate the texture and character of ancient pages.

The printing was carried out in Barcelona by Gráficas Martì in December 2024 for TGB Limited Editions. The binding, entrusted to the artisans of LaCasaDiBo, was executed entirely by hand. The book is clad in genuine sheepskin leather, embellished with cold-pressed impressions that mirror traditional binding techniques. Hand-engraved aluminum decorations enrich the cover, adding both depth and historical charm.

The volume is presented in a wooden container lined with real bovine leather, conceived to protect the manuscript while enhancing its ceremonial presence. Additional elements—such as a hand-crafted headband and themed decorative details—further enhance the authenticity and craftsmanship of the piece.

The book consists of 624 pages and measures 30 × 17 × 9.5 cm, dimensions carefully proportioned to resemble those of the original manuscript. The container measures 35 × 25 × 13.5 cm, and the complete set weighs approximately 4.5 kilograms.

Written in Latin and traditionally attributed to a 12th-century monk, the original Codex Gigas remains one of the most enigmatic creations of the medieval period. This replica, made in Italy, was conceived to honor that legacy through precision, artistry, and faithful historical inspiration.