(The Elder). Synagoga Judaica.

AUCTION 63 | Thursday, November 13th, 2014 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters, Graphic and Ceremonial Art

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Lot 245

BUXTORF, JOHANNES.

(The Elder). Synagoga Judaica.

Second edition. Double-page engraved frontispiece of synagogue interior. 22 additional exquisite illustrations of rites and customs. Double-page title in red and black. pp. (20), 608, (31), (1 blank). Lightly foxed, small corner of frontis removed. Later patterned boards, some wear on spine. Thick 8vo.

Frankfurt & Leipzig: Johann Paul Krautzen 1738

Est: $1,500 - $2,000

PRICE REALIZED $2,200

Important illustrations depicting the ceremonies and life-cycle observances of the Jews of 18th century Germany. Johannes Buxtorf I (1564-1629), Christian Hebraist and Bible scholar, served as Professor of Hebrew at the University of Basle. Though certainly knowledgeable of Judaism, Buxtorf takes a dim view of the religion in his work Synagoga Judaica. The present “new edition” of Synagoga Judaica was compiled by the author’s son, Johannes Buxtorf II (1599-1664), who succeeded his father in the chair of Bible and Hebrew Studies at the University of Basle. First published in 1661, it incorporates part of Leon da Modena’s book on Jewish ceremonies, Historia de’ Riti Ebraici (1637). See A. Rubens, A Jewish Iconography (1981), p. xiii; EJ, Vol. IV, col. 1543.