Hebrew. PROVERBS). [Mishlei]. With commentary by Immanuel ben Solomon of Rome. Edited (?) by Chaim ben Isaac Halevi Aschkenazi

(BIBLE,

Joseph ben Jacob Aschkenazi Gunzenhauser

Naples

1487

Text in square script with Nikud. Commentary in rabbinic script without Nikud. Initial word within white-vine woodcut border. . 16th Century ownership inscription (Guglielmo Nigeniciensius) on verso of final blank. Marginal Latin translations in an early 16th century cursive hand on several leaves until f.14.

Vinograd, Naples 3; Goff Heb-34; Freimann & Marx, Thesaurus A-58; Goldstein 50; Offenberg, Census 43

First Edition of the Book of Proverbs in Hebrew. The first book printed by the Aschkenazi Gunzenhauser press. Immanuel of Rome’s commentary to the Book of Proverbs weaves an allegorical, symbolical and mystical approach that endeavors to provide for his own philosophic and religious inquiries, all the while adhering to the pure, literal meaning of the text. The wording of the colophon leaves unclear the role of Chaim ben Isaac Halevi Aschkenazi, as either editor, proof-reader or typesetter. See: D. Amram, The Makers of Hebrew Books in Italy (1963) pp.63-4; and JE, vol. VI p.563. JIM: Place text below image on it’s own page. Hence Hebrew incunabula are intensely more scarce than their non-Hebrew equivalent.