(The Elder). Lev Avoth [commentary to Ethics of the Fathers, with text]

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 135

HALEVI, SOLOMON BEN ISAAC

(The Elder). Lev Avoth [commentary to Ethics of the Fathers, with text]

FIRST EDITION ff. 128. Previous owners' signatures and stamp on title, including Zev Elimelech Shapiro of Brody, inscription on recto of final leaf in a Sephardic hand, extensive marginalia mostly on the first chapter in a 19th-century Ashkenazic hand. Title repaired with small loss of few words on verso, stained, some worming repaired. Modern calf-backed marbled boards. Sm. 4to Vinograd, Salonika 66; Adams M-1481

Salonika: (Joseph Ya’abetz) 1565

Est: $1,000 - $1,500

PRICE REALIZED $1,700

A member of the Portuguese Bet Halevi family, Solomon ben Isaac was born in Salonika. After a short period serving as rabbi of Uskub, Yugoslavia, he returned to his hometown, where his devotion to communal service earned him the appellation “HaZaken” (The Elder). See EJ II, col. 85-6. One of the earliest complete commentaries to the Pirkei Avoth. In the introduction, the author states he completed an early draft of the work just prior to his engagement and thereafter read it over to his bride before publication