Auction 27 · Lot 34

Sepher Ivronoth [astronomy and calculations of intercalation and the Jewish calender]

Estimate: $2,000–$2,500
Hammer price: Not recorded

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

author

BEILIN, ELIEZER BEN JACOB

printer

Israel ben Moses

Place

Offenbach

Publication

1722

Description

Numerous mathematical tables, spherical charts and illustrations. Title within architectural arch featuring Moses and Aaron, with cherubs flanking a zodiac sphere. Woodcut illustrations of hand palms on ff.23v. and 24r. Sphere tipped between ff.36v and 37r. A complete copy with all volvelles is highly uncommon

references

Vinograd, Offenbach 63

summary

The Jewish calendar is lunisolar; the months are reckoned by the moon and the years by the sun. The astronomical expertise required to make the necessary adjustments, mandated an interest in astronomy by religious Jews. Maimonides devotes an entire section of his Mishneh Torah to what he lists as a positive commandment “to know how to determine which is the first day of each month of the year.” Sepher Ivronoth was prepared as a manual “to help an individual fulfil the commandments.” See A. J. Karp, From the Ends of the Earth-Judaic Treasures of the Library of Congress (1991) pp.197-8

ff. (2), 40 (i.e. 38). Browned, upper corners of few leaves with minimal loss. Contemporary vellum, worn. Sm. 4to

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