Sepher HaMispar [treatise on Algebra]

AUCTION 46 | Thursday, September 10th, 2009 at 1:00

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

Back to Catalogue Download Catalogue

<Previous Lot

/321

Next Lot>

Lot 235

MIZRACHI, ELIJAH

Sepher HaMispar [treatise on Algebra]

FIRST EDITION. Title within historiated border including centaur-archer and hare. Initial letters of text within floriated vignettes. Manuscript mathematical notations along margins. Hebrew signature of Matithia ben Abraham Segre on title. ff. 110. Stained, heavily soiled in places, title worn. Modern calf. 4to Vinograd, Const. 150; Yaari, Const. 116; St. Cat. Bod. 4965, 2 (liber rarus)

Constantinople: Gershom Soncino 1533-34

Est: $7,000 - $10,000

PRICE REALIZED $7,000

Elijah Mizrachi (c.1450-1526), a native of Constantinople, was a member of the old Romaniot community that preceded the influx of exiles from Spain. In 1498 he became the foremost rabbinical authority not only in Constantinople but effectively throughout the entire Ottoman Empire. Mizrachi achieved rabbinic authority due to his Responsa, although he is more particularly renowned due to his super-commentary to Rashi, known simply as “The Mizrachi” (Venice, 1527). See EJ, Vol. XII, cols. 182-4.