Torah Ohr

AUCTION 43 | Thursday, April 02nd, 2009 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Hebrew Printed Books, Manuscripts, Graphic & Ceremonial Art

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Lot 231

YACHYAH, JOSEPH

Torah Ohr

FIRST EDITION. Opening word within ornamental woodcut border. Pictographic introductory poem in the form of the Temple Candelabra on verso of title. Wide margins ff. 36. Some stains, signed by censor on verso of final leaf. Modern vellum-backed boards. Sm. 4to Vinograd, Bologna 13; Mehlman 1202; not in Adams

Bologna: The Company of Silk-Weavers 1538

Est: $1,500 - $2,500

PRICE REALIZED $1,900

Divided into 78 chapters, Torah Ohr deals with Jewish dogma and theology as well as eschatology. The introduction contains interesting biographical information regarding dramatic experiences in the lives of ibn Yachyah’s parents. His father, Gedaliya and mother Deena, fled Portugal to Pisa in 1495, but were imprisoned by the French invaders soon after their arrival. For her safety, Deena was obliged to disguise herself as a man. When her true identity was discovered by her jailors, she escaped assailment by jumping from a high roof. She survived, and soon after gave birth to the author. The family finally found safety settling in the city of Imola, Province of Bologna