Devil's Bible

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Image: Codex Gigas manuscript open to New Testament page

Devil's Bible

Allegedly made from the skins of 160 donkeys, the Codex Gigas is the worlds largest and most mysterious medieval manuscript. According to legend, the cursed text sprang from a doomed monks pact with the Devil. Experts attempt to uncover its secrets.

Devil's Bible , Exorcising the Devil , One of the most mysterious texts ever written gives detailed instructions for confronting the devil.

Devil's Bible , One Helluva Book , It's very big, it's very very old, and there is no other book in the world quite like it.

Image: Re-creation of monk shaving quill

Devil's Bible,In the Devil's Bible, re-creation of monk shaving quill.

Devil's Bible,Codex Gigas manuscript.

Image: Codex Gigas manuscript open to Devil's Portrait and Heavenly City

Devil's Bible,Codex Gigas manuscript open to Devil's Potrait and Heavenly City.

Image: Re-creation of monk in cell at desk

Devil's Bible,In the Devil's Bible, re-creation of monk in cell at desk.

Image: Re-creation of monk at writing calligraphy

Devil's Bible,In the Devil's Bible, a re-creation of a monk at writing calligraphy.

Devil's Bible,Codex Gigas manusript open to New Testament page.

Image: Books and other detail in re-creation of monk's cell

Devil's Bible,In the Devil's Bible, books and other detail in re-creation of monk's cell.

Image: Re-creation of Rudolf II in his Prague Castle Library with his collection

Devil's Bible,In the Devil's Bible, re-creation of Rudolf II in his Prague Castle Library with his collection.

Image: Codex Gigas manuscript open to New Testament in Bible

Devil's Bible,Codex Gigas manuscript open to New Testament in Bible.

There is no other manuscript like it. It contains a combination of texts that exist nowhere else. It is a most peculiar, strange, haunting, fascinating, large, bizarre, inexplicable object. And behind it all there's a diabolical driving force. A single, sinister figure. Satan. Dare you scan its pages?

The legendary Codex Gigas manuscript.

Close up of a Necrology page.

Manuscript open to the New Testament in Bible. The Codex is the only book that places the Old and New Testaments alongside violent, holy incantations.

The Codex boasts a full-page portrait of the Devil. No other Bible on Earth features such a sizable image of evil incarnate. No one knows who created it, or why it's there.

Manuscript open to the New Testament in Bible.

Close up of a Necrology page.

The Codex Gigas, also known as the Devil's Bible, representing National Geographic Channel show The Devil's Bible

BEHIND THE CODEX GIGAS

Filled with satanic images and demonic spells, the cursed text, according to legend, sprang from a doomed monk’s pact with the devil. What else do we know about this mysterious Devil's Bible?

The Devil’s Bible is so huge that it requires at least two people to carry it.

Once considered the eighth wonder of the world, the Codex Gigas stretches three feet long and weighs a hundred and sixty-five pounds.

It is the only book that places the Old and New Testaments alongside violent, holy incantations.

The Codex Gigas contains one full page – right opposite the devil portrait – of a towering Heavenly City. Although no people can be seen in the Heavenly City, it is a symbol of hope and salvation, a contrast to the portrait of the devil on the opposing page.

The Codex Gigas includes mystical medical formulas for anything from treating ailments such as fevers and epilepsy to resolving practical problems such as finding a thief.

The book's transfer to Prague in 2008 took a year of planning. It was insured for $15.1 million during the transfer.

The Devil’s Bible has 600 pages, which is 310 parchment leaves, all made from donkey skins.

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