Ben Hamelech Vehanazir [“The Prince and the Hermit”]

Estimate: $1,000–$1,500
Hammer price: $1,000

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

author

ABRAHAM BEN SAMUEL IBN CHASDAI

printer

Joseph ben Jacob of Padua

Place

Mantua

Publication

1557

Description

Second Edition. Title within a woodcut architectural border. Opening letter of each chapter within a decorative woodcut vignette. Printer’s device on final leaf.

references

Vinograd, Mantua 38; Mehlman 1272; not in Adams

summary

Based on a popular early tale entitled “Barlem and Yosef” which is Hindu in origin, and was translated into many languages. This Hebrew version is based on the Arabic. “The Hebrew version is attractively written and the prose narrative is interspersed with versified aphorisms.” EJ, V col.518.

ff. 92. First four leaves supplied from another copy, lightly stained. Later calf-backed marbled boards, rubbed. 12mo

Enquire about this lot