Machzor [prayers for the entire year]. According to Roman rite.
AUCTION 70 |
Thursday, September 22nd,
2016 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, Autographed Letters, Graphic and Ceremonial Art
Lot 280
(LITURGY).
Machzor [prayers for the entire year]. According to Roman rite.
Soncino-Casal Maggiore: Soncino Sons 1485-6
Est: $30,000 - $50,000
PRICE REALIZED $34,000
<<THE Soncino Machzor, the VERY FIRST hebrew PRINTED PRAYER BOOK.>>
“This magnificent incunable is one of Soncino’s most outstanding productions. It is the first book fully vocalised and with woodcut headings all the way through the text. It is the only book printed in Casal Maggiore and took an entire year to print due to the complexity of the contents.” (Wineman Catalogue).
The present copy includes the rare colophon at the end of volume II stating that printing was begun in Soncino and completed in Casal Maggiore.
The Roman rite, also known as the Italian, or “Lo’azim” rite, is rich in multifaceted piyutim. It originated in early medieval Rome and maintained a distinct identity. For a thorough, scholarly discussion of this rite, see Samuel David Luzzatto: Mavo LeMachzor Bnei Roma (1966). See also the facsimile of this Machzor, with companion volume of studies, ably edited by Angelo Piattelli (Jerusalem, 2012).