When I learned about the recent resurfacing of the lost Gospel of Judas the bookbinder and conservator in me snapped to attention. Everything about this story fascinates me: the journey of the physical object (including its recent near-destruction from mishandling due to greed and subsequent rescue by conservators), the politics and intrigue surrounding its recent history, and not least, the implications of the contents of the codex (which also includes copies of previously known documents).

This one book sheds much light on our understanding of early Christianity and also the lamentable thread of antisemitism throughout history. The true meaning of the gospel is sure to be debated for decades to come. It all reminds me why I do what I do: the awesome power of a book.