Bi’ur al Sepher Tehilim [commentary to the Book of Psalms, with text]

Estimate: $1,200–$1,800
Hammer price: $2,000

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

author

SFORNO, OBADIAH

printer

Giovanni di Gara

Place

Venice

Publication

1586

Description

First edition of Sforno’s commentary. Title within wreathed arch. Printed in two columns: Text of Psalms with nikud (vowel points) and te’amim (cantillation), commentary in Rashi type

references

Vinograd, Venice 687; Habermann, di Gara 77; Adams B-1362

summary

Despite the fact that the Italian physician Obadiah Sforno (c. 1470 - c. 1550) taught Judaic studies to the Christian Hebraist Johannes Reuchlin, Sforno’s commentary to the Bible has been embraced by even the most orthodox of rabbinic scholars, many of whom find the commentary, or at least certain passages, to be of extreme halachic interest. See EJ, Vol. XIV, cols. 1209-11

ff. 92. Owner’s signature on title, shaved not affecting text though occasionally affecting head-notes, some staining. Vellum-backed marbled boards, rubbed. Sm. 4to

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