A rare copy of the most expensive book in the world, John James Audubon’s “Birds of America,” will be up for sale at Sotheby’s in London on December 7.

Only 119 copies are confirmed to exist, of which 108 are in libraries, universities, and museums. One copy is worth $6.73 million to $10.1 million.

It contains 1,000 life-sized illustrations of almost 500 breeds. It took wildlife artist John James Audubon 12 years to complete his study.

Here’s a preview of LV‘s upcoming book, Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks.

This exceptional book showcases the most beautiful creations of the House through more than eight hundred photographs.

Many incredible pieces are featured here, along with the equally incredible stories of their creation. Available from October 2010.

French trunk maker Goyard has released a book with publisher Devambez which illustrates the brand’s heritage.

The Goyard Book features more than 200 pages featuring photographs and descriptions of all the greatest achievements by Goyard since starting in 1792.

As the New York Times reports, “The book includes the history of the Goyard family — the achievements during the Paris Expo Universelle in 1900 and the creation of the noble facade of the Paris store. ”

From the book “ Le Carré Hermès” published by Les Editions du Regard.

The book features around 150 scarves and “describes the life and history of the square of silk which has become legend.

In an evermore digitized world, the printed word takes on special value–especially if it happens to be enshrined in a rare, beautiful and historically significant book.

People are willing to pay incredible sums of money just to own and hold a copy of one of these rare, antiquated gems.

From the first book ever printed to the most valuable comic book, check out our TOP 10 most expensive books in the world.

1. The Gutenberg Bible – $25-35 million

In 1456, the Gutenberg Bible was the first book ever printed with moveable type. About 180 versions are believed to have been printed originally.

The British Library announced January 26 that it will display the “largest book in the world” for the first time to the general public as part of its summer exhibition Magnificent Maps: Power, Propaganda and Art.

Measuring in at nearly six feet (1.8 meters) tall, the book is a 1660 atlas made for Charles II of England.

Johan Maurits of Nassau is credited with creating The Klencke Atlas, which Amsterdam merchant Johannes Klencke apparently presented to Charles II of England upon the king’s restoration to the throne in 1660.