Auction 30 · Lot 221

RaLBa”G). Pirush al ha-Torah [commentary to the Pentateuch]

Estimate: $800–$1,200
Hammer price: $1,600

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

author

LEVI BEN GERSHOM (GERSONIDES/

printer

Daniel Bomberg

Place

Venice

Publication

1547

Description

Second edition. Title within architectural arch. Initial word of each book within ornamental frame. Scattered Hebrew marginalia (mostly corrigenda)

references

Vinograd, Venice 327 (incorrect pagination); Habermann, Bomberg 196; Adams L-603

summary

The Provencal Levi ben Gershom (1288-1344) represents the Rationalist School within medieval Bible exegesis. During his career this extraordinary savant made major contributions in such diverse fields as philosophy, mathematics, and astronomy. It is known that Ralba”g was an eminent halachist, however the bulk of his halachic writings have been lost. In this voluminous commentay to the Pentateuch, he arrives at the Halacha by way of a logical method of interpretation, rather than the traditional Thirteen Hermeneutical Principles. See EJ, Vol. XI, cols. 92-98

ff. 248 (i.e. 246). Browned with some wear. Modern boards. Folio

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