(RaDa”K). Sepher Hashorashim [“Book of Roots” Biblical lexicon and grammar]

AUCTION 51 | Thursday, June 23rd, 2011 at 1:00

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

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Lot 234

KIMCHI, DAVID.

(RaDa”K). Sepher Hashorashim [“Book of Roots” Biblical lexicon and grammar]

A censored copy. ff. (1), 5-570 columns, pp. 3. Previous owners’ marks, light staining, marginal strengthening on opening leaves, censor's signature on final leaf. Losse in old boards, worn. Sm. folio. Vinograd, Venice 140; Habermann, Bomberg 147; Adams K-44 (not seen).

Venice: Daniel Bomberg 1529

Est: $2,500 - $3,500

PRICE REALIZED $2,500

A scarce edition of this influential Hebrew lexicographical work. The Provencal exegete and grammarian R. David Kimchi (1160?-1235?), was a life-long anti-Christian polemicist. Under the entry “elem” (column 376), the author, quoting his father R. Joseph Kimchi, derides the Christian assertion that the word “almah” (a young girl) found in Isaiah Chap 7:14 refers to a virgin birth. Unsurprisingly, the offending lines were struck out by the ever-watchful Church censor