How do you feel about paying 153 million Euros to read a 13-page book? I know you’re calling me names for asking such a question but since German writer Tomas Alexander Hartman has come out with that ungodly price tag for his latest book, I thought I’d try and gauge public opinion on the matter. Incredible as it is but the internationally invisible author has entered the world’s most expensive book in the register of the German Books in Print (VLB) announcing there will only ever be one copy of the book in the markets. The Task (aka Die Aufgabe) will make its first public appearance at the Book Expo America 2008 Fair in LA from May 29-June 1, 2008 and will subsequently appear at the Buch Wein Fair. The narcissistic Hartmann believes himself to be the greatest philosopher of all and claims that since it took him thirty years to complete the 13 pages of the book, he is justified in asking for 1.53 Million EUR for a single copy. A more cost effective measure might be to visit the Linz International Book Fair which lasts from April 23rd to 27th, and see Hartman introduce his philosophical poems in person. But even that limited edition of thousand copies is expected to cost 1530 EUR each. Codex Leicester can take a hike, because Hartman has already announced a raise in the price. Heaven forbid if the book won any awards, the price might be raised further still. Personally, if I had that kinda money to spend on a 13-page poetry book, I’d rather buy a country or two with it!

via Antara
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