Ahavath Yehonathan [commentary to Haphtaroth, with Alon Bachuth commentary to the Book of Lamentations]. Edited by the author’s disciple, R. David ben Joseph of Magdeburg.

AUCTION 66 | Thursday, November 19th, 2015 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, Ceremonial Objects and Graphic Art

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Lot 215
EYBESCHEUTZ, JONATHAN.

Ahavath Yehonathan [commentary to Haphtaroth, with Alon Bachuth commentary to the Book of Lamentations]. Edited by the author’s disciple, R. David ben Joseph of Magdeburg.

<<FIRST EDITION>> . Two titles. Marginalia and corrections in different hands (esp. important marginal note on f. 29b). ff. (2), 92, 53 (1), (4), 16. Heavily browned, previous owners’ marks, names excised, hole in margin of opening title. Contemporary marbled boards, worn, lacking spine. 4to. Vinograd, Hamburg 88.

Hamburg: Conrad Joseph Spiring 1765-66

Est: $500 - $700
The second title-page is derived from the the scarce sample editions. In the introduction the publisher relates he did not have the financial means to publish the work in its entirety, therefore, as a start, he issued the commentaries to Eichah and the “Shiva DeNechamta” (the Seven Haphtaroth of Consolation). Thereafter, he states, if this initial offering were to be well received, he would issue two signatures each week until the entire work was completed. Indeed Ahavath Yehonathan did gain popularity and the complete edition was finally issued in 1766. In this particular copy, the “Shiva DeNechamta” starting with Va’ethchanan, which was originally at the end, is bound in its proper place following Devarim, but starting with a new pagination. Vinograd lists only the complete edition with a slightly different pagination.