Olath Yitzchak [Jewish laws in the interogatory “heichi timtza”style]

AUCTION 54 | Wednesday, March 21st, 2012 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts Autograph Letters, Graphic & Ceremonial Art

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Lot 158

ISAAC BEN JOSHUA.

Olath Yitzchak [Jewish laws in the interogatory “heichi timtza”style]

<<FIRST EDITION.>> Title within historiated woodcut architectural border, including Priestly hands flanked by rampant lions (Yaari’s Printers Marks no. 38). ff. (14), 9-12, 21-68. Browned, stained in places, title repaired, f. 2 with marginal wear. Modern calf. m. 4to. Vinograd, Prague 145; Mehlman 830.

Prague: n.p. 1606

Est: $800 - $1,200

PRICE REALIZED $800

An unusual, novel collection of 843 riddles and problems covering the entire gamut of Jewish law. The style of riddle is often cryptic, involving lateral thinking. For example, riddle no. 732, based on Ba’al Hatrumoth, asks:”If one has witnesses as to his actions, he loses - without witnesses, he wins.” Riddle no. 832, based on Reishith Chochmah, asks: “When should a scholar not be “tocho ke’baro” - his inside should not be as his outer appearance (two-faced).” Arranged in order of Talmudic Tractates and later Codifiers, with an index of some one hundred subjects.