And there it stood, nestled within that unassuming house, where our
expectations of finding something extraordinary were virtually
non-existent. But behold! A modest, dust-covered bookshelf adorned
with unremarkable volumes emerged before our eyes. They resembled the
kind given away with the daily newspaper long ago – unappealing
collections holding little allure for a bookseller’s longing for rare
first editions.
Yet, as I cast my gaze upon this bookshelf, curiosity piqued within
me, even though I held little hope of discovering anything worthy of
resale. It was precisely in that moment that a book, its binding
slightly worn, caught my attention, concealed among the seemingly
insignificant volumes. I reached out and, before even leafing through
its pages, a strange energy coursed through me.
Upon opening it, I was overcome with astonishment. The colors… the
chapter headings… the handwritten script… My initial thought was
that it might be a reproduction, albeit genuinely old in appearance.
But then, as my fingers grazed the paper…
“How much do you seek for this, madam? Rest assured, I haven’t
squandered your time. Despite being of little interest to me, I shall
acquire all the volumes.”
Clearly, my desire rested solely on the manuscript, its allure
captivating my every fiber, compelling me to obtain it at any cost. In
such moments, the tides of a deal can swiftly turn as sellers opt to
withhold their wares. A single misstep in words, a poorly phrased
sentence, or even an overt display of eagerness can bring the entire
transaction crashing down. It is a delicate psychological dance.
“Ah, you know what? Should you include all the volumes, including that
wretched bookshelf (which already had me perspiring), I shall grant
you the sum of 2,500 euros.”
The lady set her sights high, as if those books were worth more than a
mere 100 euros without the manuscript. Aware that I mustn’t reveal my
immediate acceptance, I feigned a delicate negotiation, returning the
manuscript to its rightful place upon the bookshelf as if naught had
occurred. I waited ten minutes, then, with a flourish, accepted her
offer.
In a mere twenty minutes, the items were loaded by my accomplices. I
settled the payment with the lady and hastened back to my warehouse,
eager to study my newfound treasure. It was an astonishing sight,
parchment pages meticulously crafted, adorned with delicate touches of
gold leaf and hues vibrant and luminous. My fingertips glided over the
smooth surface of the flesh side of the parchment, while the writing
appeared so flawlessly rendered that it resembled a printed
masterpiece. The intricate decorations that adorned its pages left me
in awe.
To possess an illuminated manuscript is an experience that stirs the
soul, a feeling that surpasses nearly all else, at least in my case.
True bliss enveloped me… I immersed myself in research for several
days until I unraveled the era and the monastic hands responsible for
its creation. Unfortunately, bound by privacy constraints, I cannot
divulge further details. Nevertheless, I can affirm that the
acquisition yielded not only a substantial profit but also a profound
personal satisfaction from this extraordinary find.
Such occurrences are rare in the life of an antiquities and
collectibles dealer. Yet, they do transpire. I have been fortunate
enough to encounter such treasures on a few occasions, and I’ve known
many colleagues who have stumbled upon exceptional pieces in the most
unexpected of places.
I ardently advise all, whether fellow dealers or not, to never take
anything for granted and to remain ever-vigilant during their
wanderings, be it for business or merely exploring flea markets and
other locales. The momentous discovery that could transform lives,
stirring emotions to their very core, often lies just around