We always hear about the danger the habit of book reading could be in times of e-books and blogs. But let us admit, the joy of books is too amazing to be replaced by anything (all remain in happy co-existence). In fact, we just got to know that a rare 61-pound book by the name of ‘Michelangelo: La Dotta Mano’ (Michelangelo: The Learned Hand) has bookworms speeding towards The New York Public Library which is in temporary possession of this new coffee-table book.

Worth a whopping $126,000, the book has had scholars, artists and artisans working sweat for many months as the process required many Renaissance information and skills. The cover took months to print as it sports a gorgeous bas-relief representation of Michelangelo’s ‘Madonna of Steps’, which is sculptured on a piece of white marble from one of Polvaccio quarries in Italy.

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The very mention of few $$$$ over at EliteChoice gives my readers an indication that am going to unveil some diamond, Swarovski or precious stone encrusted product. But here I have an invitation for richie-rich die-hard book lovers who wish to extend their reading experience. How about keeping hands on some luxury publishing? Called ‘Michelangelo: La Dotta Mano’ (Michelangelo: The Wise Hand), the book comprises of a number of shoots of the Renaissance master’s statuettes and is seen as a much-hyped about coffee table book available on stands this year. Priced at $155,000, the book is available with a 500 year warranty. But a question remains, if not diamonds then what is that one thing that makes it demand such a hefty sum.

Skilled artisans from diverse grounds have worked together to produce this pricey book that is no less than an ‘art by itself’. The photographs are carved on high quality handmade paper with a black marble cover being a scale imitation of the “Madonna della Scala” (“Madonna of the Steps”), a bas-relief of the Virgin and Child sculptured by Michelangelo. Weighing 46.2 pound, the book is available in counted edition of 99 only and would make you wait for another six months from the day of placing an order. Go ahead and tag your name in owning this opulence.

Via BallerHouse/ NYT