A da Vinci Book That's Controversy-Free

"This copy is pretty much how it came out of the printing press," says Neal. "Feel it. It's crisp. It's bright paper. It's in wonderful, wonderful condition for a 500-year-old book."

And it is. The binding is tight, the black and red ink dark, the paper creamy.

"It even sounds good, flipping the pages back and forth. It's just a lovely, lovely book."

As for how much a lovely, lovely book like this would set you back, Neal isn't saying.

"I think in some ways the price cheapens the concept. We're not buying it because of its monetary value. We're buying it because of its research value, because of its connection with Leonardo da Vinci, because of the intrinsic beauty of the item."

(And of course that's how it should be. However, if you don't want to schlep down to the National Gallery to see "Divina Proportione," a book dealer in Great Britain is offering one for $311,000.)

Neal, I ask, aren't you worried about letting the public handle a book like this? He gives a chuckle.

"We supervise use. And we have very good security here at the National Gallery."

Call ahead if you'd like to visit the gallery's library: 202-842-6511.

Collection Plate

Every collector knows the thrill of the hunt. Neal Turtell is himself a collector, though his job precludes him from collecting books. It would be a conflict of interest. He collects artwork by young artists instead.

"They're not even emerging artists," he says. "They're preemerging; they're pupae."