A 18th-century Ethiopian gospel manuscript, missing for nearly 160 years, has reappeared in the international book market, with an estimated price of 250,000 euros. The manuscript, believed to have belonged to Emperor Tewodros II, was displayed by the Viennese antiquarian Inlibris at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, held from 13 to 18 September 2026. However, the Ethiopian Heritage Authority intervened, requesting its return to Ethiopia. The manuscript was then removed from sale, though Inlibris claims it was only shown as a presentation piece and not for sale. The public price on Inlibris’ website has been replaced with the note "price on request." The manuscript consists of 218 leaves of vellum, written in Geez on two columns. It contains the entire Gospel of Luke and John, except for the last sixteen verses. It also includes 235 paintings—two full-page, 220 half-page, and 13 quarter-page—showing scenes from the life of Christ, miracles, parables, the Passion, and the Resurrection. Inlibris dates its creation to around 1730–1740 in Gondar. An analysis by art historian Jacopo Gnisci from University College London suggests it may date to the second half of the 18th century and could be part of a two-volume set, with the first volume now at the Bavarian State Library. The manuscript’s history traces back to Emperor Tewodros II, who acquired it from a church in Gondar and included it in his library at Maqdala. After the British captured the fortress in April 1868, the gospel book passed to Robert Cornelis Napier, the British commander, and was later given to William Robert Seymour Vesey-Fitzgerald. It then went through several collections, including Bernard Quaritch, the Pitt-Rivers Museum, the Schøyen collection, and the library of Paul Ruddock, before ending up in a European private collection. The circumstances of the manuscript’s departure from Ethiopia are well-documented, with the Victoria and Albert Museum recalling the British looting of Maqdala following the final assault on 13 April 1868. More than 300 manuscripts from Maqdala acquired by the British Museum are now at the British Library. The Ethiopian Heritage Authority based its request for the manuscript’s return on this history, rejecting Inlibris’ proposal for an institutional acquisition at a "preferred price." Inlibris defends the legality of the manuscript's current possession, arguing that no legal obligation for its return applies. However, the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the illicit traffic of cultural goods is not retroactive, and the organization states this does not justify past transactions. Ethiopia has recently recovered 17 ancient manuscripts from the United States, but no restitution has been announced for the Maqdala gospel book as of 29 September 2026. The manuscript remains listed by Inlibris, though its price is not stated.