Cultural Heritage Stories Booklet | Page 35

The theft of the “Divina Commedia” Luigi Tedesco, Giuseppe Ursitti, Diego Campofreedano Legend has it that 665 years ago a French Businessman David came to Italy for a very important business. They had auctioned an invaluable value book: "La Divina Commedia"; written by Dante a few years ago. The affiliate concerned was involved. On the auction day the businessman came to the royal palace where the auction was held and this started. David was in first place for $150,000 but another English businessman Buck offered $500,000 earning first place and eventually winning. The King sold the Divine Comedy for $500,000. David, who was furious for losing the auction, decided to vindicate Buck and so at the exit of the Royal Palace he attacked Buck to steal the book from him. David succeeded in stealing the book, leaving Buck unconscious in the process. A few days later, when David returned to France, he was detained by French law enforcement officers and was arrested for theft of artwork and attempted murder, and Buck was reunited with his book. 30