(RaDa”K). Sepher Michlol [grammar]

AUCTION 66 | Thursday, November 19th, 2015 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, Ceremonial Objects and Graphic Art

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Lot 143

KIMCHI, DAVID

(RaDa”K). Sepher Michlol [grammar]

Third edition (the first two editions entirely unknown to Steinschneider). Title within attractive four-part ornamental border. Printed in double columns. ff. (64). Ex-library copy, repaired worming, marginal repairs throughout with occasional loss of text, scattered marginalia in a later hand. Modern morocco. Folio. Vinograd, Const. 149; Mehlman 1252.

Constantinople: Gershom Soncino (1533)

Est: $1,200 - $1,800

PRICE REALIZED $1,400

The Michlol was David Kimchi’s chief grammatical work. It is divided into two parts; a grammar and a dictionary of the roots of Biblical words. The Michlol treats verbs comprehensively, covering the rules governing conjugation, changes of pronunciation and accents. It also contains complete tables of conjugations and is distinguished by the clarity of its style and its conciseness. Indeed, these qualities resulted in the Michlol’s supremacy over previous works and has been considered the leading grammatical work for centuries. See M. Waxman, Vol. I, p. 179. On the title-page Soncino recounts his publishing exploits and related travels as well as his contention with the firm of Bomberg.