RaMBa”M). Mishneh Torah [Rabbinic Code]. Fourteen parts in four volumes
AUCTION 44 |
Thursday, June 25th,
2009 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Hebrew Printed Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters, Graphic & Ceremonial Art
Lot 204
MOSES BEN MAIMON (MAIMONIDES /.
RaMBa”M). Mishneh Torah [Rabbinic Code]. Fourteen parts in four volumes
Venice: Daniel Bomberg 1524-25
Est: $30,000 - $40,000
PRICE REALIZED $26,500
A handsome copy of an early uncensored edition of the mishneh torah.
The first edition of the Mishneh Torah with Migdal Oz - together with the text for the entire work. The Migdal Oz by Shem Tov Gaon was previously published in the Constantinple edition, however only on the section of Sepher Ahavah. In his introduction, the editor elaborates his method of correcting the text. In certain cases he made no alterations, (even though he felt it was necessary), since he had in front of him five “sifrei Ramba"m” (i.e. manuscripts), all of which contained the same reading. The editor does however, present four examples of corrections made on his own initiative and the lengthy scholarly basis of his reasoning for doing so. This introduction has never been republished.
This copy contains the passage concerning the Messianic pretensions of Jesus in Hil. Melachim, end Chap. XI (f.763r.), subsequently censored, and restored only in recent editions of the Mishneh Torah.