The Book of HOV Leads To A Memorable Sale
What began as a tribute returns as a timeless object.
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On July 17, the fifth and final copy of The Book of HOV Special Limited Edition—signed and dated by Jay-Z in silver ink with the words “with Peace n Love / JAY-Z / 2025”—was sold at Christie’s Contemporary Editions Sale for $163,800. A portion of proceeds from the sale will benefit the Brooklyn Public Library, reinforcing the lasting connection between Carter, Roc Nation, and the institution that helped bring this tribute to life.
The sculptural edition debuted in early 2025, a collaboration between Assouline, artist Daniel Arsham, and Roc Nation. Limited to just five copies, the work transforms the print volume into an art object, housed in a hand-patinated bronze clamshell designed by Arsham. “The patina on the works is basically a forced oxidation,” he explained. “If you were to cast something in bronze and leave it out for 100 years, it would get this same look.”