Yosippon

AUCTION 44 |
Thursday, June 25th,
2009 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Hebrew Printed Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters, Graphic & Ceremonial Art
Lot 162
JOSEPH BEN GORION
Yosippon
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