(Ra”N). Shailoth Uteshuvoth [responsa]

AUCTION 50 | Thursday, February 24th, 2011 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Hebrew Printed Books, Manuscripts, Graphic & Ceremonial Art Including: The Alfonso Cassuto Collection of Iberian Art

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Lot 117

GERONDI, NISSIM

(Ra”N). Shailoth Uteshuvoth [responsa]

FIRST EDITION pp. 174, (34). Lower portion of title-page neatly replaced (not affecting text), occasional marginal repairs, dozen closing leaves expertly laid to size, previous owners’ marks. Modern marbled boards. Sm. 4to Vinograd, Rome 18

Rome: Yitzchak Deltash, Antonio Baldo & Samuel Sarfati 1545

Est: $1,000 - $1,500

PRICE REALIZED $2,250

Unlike Venice, only occasional and short-lived Hebrew presses arose in the City of Rome - short, sporadic bursts of activity marred by assaults of ecclesiastical intolerance. Rome produced only 18 Hebrew books throughout the entire 16th-century. Antonio Baldo was granted leave to print Hebrew books there by the Papal Vicar in 1546 and these Responsa of R. Nissim Gerondi was his first endeavor. His Jewish partner, Solomon ben Isaac of Lisbon assisted by Samuel Zarfati did the work of editing, proofing and marketing the books. Yet the press produced only five books in the two years it was opperative. For a chronicle of Hebrew printing in Rome see: D. Amram, The Makers of Hebrew Books in Italy (1909) pp. 235-51