Masechta Avodah Zarah [Idolatry]. With commentaries by Rashi, Tosafoth, etc.

(TALMUD, BABYLONIAN)

Daniel Bomerg

Venice

1520

FIRST BOMBERG EDITION. Opening letters within white on black decorative woodcut vignettes.

Vinograd, Venice 29; Habermann, Bomberg 25; not in Adams; R.N.N. Rabinowitz, Ma’amar al Hadpasat Ha-Talmud pp. 35-42;

Daniel Bomberg’s editions of 1520-23 formed the edito princeps of the Babylonian Talmud setting the standard pagination and layout to which almost all subsequent editions adhered: a section of the Mishnah text followed by its’ Gemara, the commentary of Rashi on the inner margin and that of the Tosaphists on the outer. The uniformity of pages in all published editions was of great practical use to Talmudic scholars, creating a standard for reference citation and serving as a symbol of the unity of the Jewish people which Talmud study across the ages has enhanced. Another copy of Masechta Avodah Zarah was sold by Kestenbaum & Company, November 28th, 2000 Lots 142.