The Good and Valuable Book

Hymnal that dates to 1640 could fetch $30M

An example of the first book published in what was to become the United States is about to go up for auction.

A tiny hymnal from 1640 believed to be the first book ever printed in what is now the United States is going up for auction, and it could sell for as much as $30 million.

Only 11 copies of the Bay Psalm Book survive in varying degrees of completeness. Members of Boston's Old South Church have authorized the sale of one of its two copies at Sotheby's Nov. 26.

A very amazing artifact from early American history. To think that Ben Franklin or Sam Adams may have once held this book is quite neat indeed. An enduring testament to the endurance of the written word and the printed book.