Sepher Tziyoni [Kabbalistic homilies to the Pentateuch, with poems]

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

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

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Lot 197

MENACHEM TZIYONI BEN MEIR OF SPEYER.

Sepher Tziyoni [Kabbalistic homilies to the Pentateuch, with poems]

Second edition (first edition of 1559 entirely destroyed by the Dominican Friars of Cremona zealously seeking to enforce Pope Paul IV’s Index). Title and chapter headings with woodblock historiated initials. The final two leaves contain two lengthy poems that do not appear in later editions. Weiss republished them in his Tsefunei Tziyoni (pp. 92-4) emphasizing “the astonishing wonders hidden therein.” ff. 110. Mispaginated (as usual) though complete, some staining, previous owner’s signatures and inscriptions on title including Dr. Michael Sachs and M. Gaster, pencil markings of previous owner, signature of censor on final leaf. Later boards. Sm. 4to. Vinograd, Cremona 31; Benayahu, Cremona 27 and pp. 80-3 (illustrated).

Cremona: Vicenzo Conti 1560

Est: $500 - $700

PRICE REALIZED $700

The Author writes that by a mystic combination of letters, the Ineffable Name of God can be written. However the printer states that due to their intense sanctity, he decided not to print such, instead leaving the intended space blank for the reader to inscribe the symbols if he so chooses (see f. 43).