I. The first book printed in German (1461) was the "Edelstein," (or "precious stone") by Ulrich Boner - a collection of fables, tales, and maxims in reproof of evil ways and for the encouragement of piety and virtue. The first printed book was the Psalter of Mainz, 1457; the next was William Durand's "Holy Office" ("Rationale divinorum officiorum libris viii distinctum"), printed 1459; the third was Balbis' "Gatholi-con," a sort of dictionary, 1460; then comes the "Edelstein," in German.

II. The highest price ever offered for a book was $96,000. It was a Hebrew Bible in the possession of the Vatican. In 1512, the Jews of Venice wished to buy this book, but though Julius II. was greatly pressed for money in order to keep up the Holy League against Louis XII. of France, he declined to part with the volume.

The German Government paid $50,000 for the missal given by Leo X. to Henry VIII., along with the parchment conferring on him the right to assume the title of "Defender of the Faith." Charles II. gave these relics to the ancestor of the famous Duke of Hamilton, whose library was sold by Messrs. Sotheby, Wilkinson, and Hodge of London.

III. The largest book on one subject is the "Acta Sanctorum," of the Bollandists, not yet completed (1893). The 61st volume was published in 1875.

IV. The oldest book in the world is a papyrus containing the proverbs of Ptah-hotep, an Egyptian king, who reigned some 3000 B.C., which was before the birth of Abraham. It has been in part translated by Chabas and others, and may be seen in English dress in J. D. Heath's "Record of the Patriarchal Age."