(RaDa”K). Sepher ha-Shorashim [“Book of Roots;” Biblical lexicon and grammar]

AUCTION 37 | Tuesday, June 26th, 2007 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters, Graphic & Ceremonial Art

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Lot 133

KIMCHI, DAVID

(RaDa”K). Sepher ha-Shorashim [“Book of Roots;” Biblical lexicon and grammar]

Printed in two columns. Title within woodcut architectural arch. Hebrew words occasionally provided with nikud (vowel points). Sidebars contain Latin equivalents. Initial words within woodcut design. On title, former owners' inscriptions f. (1), 5-548 columns, f.(1). Slightly stained, marginalia on column 35. Modern marbled boards with morocco spine. Folio Vinograd, Venice 330; Habermann, Adelkind 44; Adams K-46

Venice: Marco Antonio Giustiniani 1547

Est: $500 - $700

PRICE REALIZED $800

An uncensored copy. Unusually, this edition of Kimchi’s fundamental lexicographical work explicitly retains the word “Notzrim” and other references. Under the entry “elem” (column 361), the author, quoting his father R. Joseph Kimchi, derides the Christian assertion that the word “almah” (a young girl) found in Isaiah Chap 7:14 refers to a virgin birth. Remarkably, the passage has survived intact. In most other copies, the offending lines were vehemently struck out by the ever-watchful Church censor.