Auction 6 · Lot 28

PENTATEUCH ONLY)

Estimate: $3,000–$4,000
Hammer price: Not recorded

Historical auction record. Hammer prices exclude buyer’s premium and taxes.

author

(BIBLE. Polyglot

printer

Eliezer Soncino

Place

Constantinople

Publication

1546

Description

In Hebrew, Aramaic, Persian and Arabic. Lacking Appendix (ff.70) of Haphtaroth and Five Megilloth in Hebrew only.

references

Vinograd, Const. 189; Yaari, Const. 143; Darlow & Moule 1417 & 5091

summary

The First Soncino “Hebrew” Polyglot. All texts are printed in fully-pointed Hebrew characters. The Bible text in large type occupies the middle column, the Aramaic Targum of Onkelos is on the left and the Persian translation of Jacob ben Joseph Tawus, especially commissioned for this edition, is on the right. Sa’adya Gaon’s Arabic version runs across the top of the page, while the Commentary of Rashi (in unpointed rabbinic type) is at the bottom. “Its beautiful typography and interesting format make it worthy of comparison with any Hebrew printing in the West; but its editorial program make it obvious that the publisher was interested in an Oriental market.” D.S. Berkowitz, In Remembrance of Creation (1968) no.176.

ff.390 (of 420). Made-up copy. ff.30 provided in fragment, manuscript or facsimile, many leaves remargined with loss of text. Recent pencil collation erroneous. Modern calf-backed marbled boards. Sold not subject to return. Thick 4to

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