Earliest King Arthur Manuscript to Auction at Christie’s for $2M
A rare manuscript from circa 1290–1310, containing the earliest surviving edition of the King Arthur legends, will be auctioned at Christie’s in July 2026. Estimated to fetch $2 million, the manuscript includes texts from the Old French Lancelot-Grail cycle and 126 miniature illustrations in burnished gold. Dr. Irene Fabry-Tehranchi of Cambridge University Library expressed hope that a public institution will acquire it, though high prices may keep it in private hands.
Key facts
- Manuscript dates from roughly 1290–1310.
- Contains Old French Lancelot-Grail cycle texts.
- Includes 126 miniature illustrations with burnished gold.
- Auction at Christie’s in July 2026.
- Estimated sale price of $2 million.
- Dr. Irene Fabry-Tehranchi commented on the auction.
- Manuscript has been in private collections for centuries.
- Opportunity for scholars to study the text if publicly acquired.
Entities
Institutions
- Christie's
- Cambridge University Library
- The Guardian
Locations
- Camelot