National Library seeks to prolong exhibition of Devil’s Bible

The Czech National Library has announced that, due to public interest, it would like to prolong the exhibition of the Devil’s Bible, or Codex Gigas. It was originally meant to be shown in Prague until January 6, but due to the interest the book has generated, the library would like to continue exhibiting it until March of next year. Over 35,000 people have bought a ticket to see the bible since it was put on display in September, and ticket sales have been limited to no more than 60 per hour. The Swedish state, which owns the bible, has agreed to loan out the manuscript for longer. A spokesperson for the library said it was now up to the Czech Ministry of Finance to decide whether to fund the exhibition for an extended period of time.

The Devil’s Bible originates from the turn of the 13th century, it was written near Chrudim, eastern Bohemia. It was taken by Swedish soldiers at the end of the Thirty Years’ War, and has belonged to the Swedish state since that time.