Auction 15 · Lot 350

Lekach Tov-Be'er Moshe [Yiddish translation and novellae to the Bible]

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

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

author

MOSES BEN ISSACHAR SHERTLAN

printer

Moses ben Bezalel Katz

Place

Prague

Publication

1574-5

Description

Together two volumes. BOTH FIRST EDITIONS. Opening words within typographical borders.

references

Vinograd, Prague 124, 131; Mehlman 1371-2; not in Adams

summary

One of the earliest works with Yiddish translation. In his introduction the author states he was prompted to publish this Yiddish translation having witnessed the faulty understanding of the Biblical text by his students. Moreover, the increasing popularity of a secular Yiddish literature rapidly took root in the German Jewish community at this time, consequently Yiddish translations of the Bible and Midrashim began to apear. Indeed the introduction of the earliest translation of the Pentateuch (Constance 1544) notes it is intended for those who, "can read German well [yet] spend their time with foolish books…" See I. Zinberg, vol. VII, p. 87.

Vol I: ff. (306). With 22 additional pages of Megilloth unknown to both Vinograd and Mehlman). Vol II: ff. (104). Browned and stained in places. Recent vellum boards with ribbon ties. Lg.8vo

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