Medieval Hebrew prayer book expected to fetch up to $6m at auction

Illustrated Luzzatto High Holiday Mahzor is one of fewer than 20 such prayer books believed to be in existence

A 700-year-old illustrated and annotated Hebrew prayer book that provides a window into the lives and rituals of Jewish communities in medieval Europe is expected to fetch up to $6m when it is sold at auction next month.

The Luzzatto High Holiday Mahzor, created in southern Germany in late 13th or early 14th century, is one of fewer than 20 such prayer books believed to be in existence. According to Sotheby's, it is the most important medieval illustrated prayer book to be offered for sale in a century.