Yosippon

AUCTION 44 | Thursday, June 25th, 2009 at 1:00

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

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Lot 162

JOSEPH BEN GORION

Yosippon

Title and first letter historiated. Printed in double columns. Broad margins. On final page, inscription of Church Censor "Camillo Jagel, 1629." (See Wm. Popper, Pl. IV, no. 2) ff. 155. Title and final leaf with small repair, stained. Modern calf. Sm. 4to Vinograd, Venice 220

Venice: Giovanni di Farri 1544

Est: $600 - $900

PRICE REALIZED $950

Once thought to be an actual eyewitness report of events during the Second Temple era, the extensive research of the late Prof. David Flusser has proved that Yosippon, composed by “Joseph ben Gorion” (an apochryphal figure, not be confused with the authentic Josephus Flavius, a true denizen of the Second Temple era), was written in Southern Italy in the year 953 C.E. See EJ, Vol. X, cols. 296-298 Di Farri (and Brother) were a well known firm of printers in Venice. In 1544 they hired Cornelio Adelkind from the employ of Daniel Bomberg, whereupon he printed some 14 Hebrew books for his new Master. However the Hebrew publishing venture ended its career in the same year in which it commenced. See Amram pp. 199-202