(RaDa”K). Sepher Michlol [grammar]

AUCTION 29 | Monday, June 20th, 2005 at 1:00

Superior Hebrew Printed Books: Singular Selections from Two Distingushed Private Collections with American-Judaica.

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Lot 36

KIMCHI, DAVID

(RaDa”K). Sepher Michlol [grammar]

Third edition (the first two editions entirely unknown to Steinschneider). Title within attractive four-part ornamental border. Printed in double columns. On title, inscription of former owner: “London Apr. 28, Year 1762 by Mardochai Odeiro” ff. (64). Waterstained. Contemporary vellum. Folio Vinograd, Const. 149; Yaari, Const. 118; Mehlman 1252; Adams K-48

Constantinople: Gershom Soncino (1533)

Est: $7,000 - $9,000

PRICE REALIZED $10,000

The Michlol was David Kimchi’s chief grammatical work. It is divided into two parts; a grammar and a dictionary of the roots of Biblical words. The Michlol treats verbs comprehensively, covering the rules governing conjugation, changes of pronunciation and accents. It also contains complete tables of conjugations and is distinguished by the clarity of its style and its conciseness. Indeed, these qualities resulted in the Michlol’s supremacy over previous works and has been considered the leading grammitical work for centuries. See M. Waxman, Vol. I, p. 179. On the title-page Soncino recounts his publishing exploits and related travels as well as his contention with the firm of Bomberg.