Historic book of psalms auctioned off for $14.2M

A book of psalms composed in the year 1640 has set a new auction record after selling for $14.2 million in New York City.

The sale of the Bay Psalm book broke the auction record for a printed book.  It is believed to be the first book printed in the United States of America, with only 11 more copies in existence.

The book was sold in Manhattan on Tuesday at Sotheby’s auction house to businessman David Rubenstein who intends to lend it to various U.S. libraries.

Reverend Nancy Taylor of Boston’s Old South Church, the previous owners of the book, said it is “arguably one of the most important books in the nation’s history.”