Dalí’s “The Apocalypse,” once called the world’s most precious book, stolen in France

A work worth several million euros has been stolen from the Contemporary Art Centre in Issoire, in France’s Auvergne region. The perpetrators, who have not yet been identified, took “L’Apocalypse,” a monumental 210-kilogram book decorated with gold and precious stones.

Once described as “the most precious book in the world,” the work has a bronze cover created by Salvador Dalí, which weighs 150 kilograms. Art-book publisher Joseph Forêt commissioned and conceived it in 1959, based on the Apocalypse of Saint John.

Seven renowned artists contributed to the creation of the book, including Dalí, Georges Mathieu, Bernard Buffet and Leonor Fini. Meanwhile, seven writers and thinkers, including Jean Cocteau, Emil Cioran and Ernst Jünger, wrote commentaries and reflections.

Since 1961, “L’Apocalypse” has been displayed at exhibitions in various countries around the world. After passing through the hands of several owners, collector Christian Karoutzos bought it in 2002. He has said that it took him 10 years to pay off the purchase, while working seven days a week.

Karoutzos decided to exhibit the work at his Contemporary Art Centre this summer, after 24 years. Just a few months later, it was stolen. The value of “L’Apocalypse” is estimated at several million euros.

French authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. “It is a unique work in the world. They have killed French heritage, they have killed France,” its owner said.