Auction 10 · Lot 75

(RaSHBa”TZ). Sepher HaTaSHBba”’TZ [responsa]

Estimate: $1,200–$1,800
Hammer price: $1,000

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

author

DURAN, SHIMON BEN TZEMACH

printer

Naphtali Herz Levi Rofe

Place

Amsterdam

Publication

[1738]

Description

Second edition. Engraved architectural border depicting Moses, Aaron, David and Solomon. Divisional ornamental woodcut title featuring lions, foliage and crown. Four parts in one volume.

references

Vinograd, Amsterdam 1549 (cf. Amsterdam 1490)

summary

The RaSHBa”TZ was one of the most authorative North African decisors of the 15th century. See Part III, responsa 189, where he provides detail concerning the decision-making process following complaints by the respondent: “Know that in my youth, sparks of fire emanated from my mouth. When I was a tail to lions…do not grope like the blind… I formulate a decision only after careful study and have never retracted, as the sages of all countries bear witness.” Popular lore has suggested, that in merit of Duran’s respect for holy books, his published works were beautifully bound. Regarding the existence of typographical variances to this work, see D. Yardeni, Alei Seipher vol. X, pp.119-32.

ff. (11), 91; 69, (1); 68, (1); (1), 101, (1). (Vinograd mispaginated; collates as per Roest 1077). Title page rehinged, lightly browned, stained in places. With Original colored “Fish-skin” binding with tooled floral decorations. Spine neatly repaired at head and tail. Folio

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