Auction 38 · Lot 195

(NACHMANIDES. RaMBa”N). Peirush Ha-Torah [Commentary to the Pentateuch]

Estimate: $7,000–$9,000
Hammer price: $10,000

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

author

MOSES BEN NACHMAN

printer

Sons of Soncino

Place

Pesaro

Publication

1513-14

Description

Title within decorative border with ornate floral design (same design on f.3); with poem containing the acrostic “Gershom.” On title, signature of former owner, "Samuel Israel Jonah." Initial words within white-on-black decorative surround

references

Vinograd Pesaro 34; Mehlman 673

summary

RARE EDITION OF NACHMANIDES' COMMENTARY The bookseller and scholar, David Frankel was wont to advise his clients that early Pesaro books are more scarce and prized than many incunabula. After Rashi, the most popular commentary to the Pentateuch is undoubtedly that of Nachmanides (b. Gerona, 1194 - d. Eretz Israel, 1270). The fact that there were as many as three incunabule editions (two within a year of one another) of Nachmanides’ Commentary to the Pentateuch, attests to the immense popularity of the work. Another copy of this scare book was sold by Kestenbaum & Company as part of the Gradenwitz Collection, Lot 122

ff. 177 (of 178), text complete, lacking final blank only (as the Mehlman copy at JNUL). Title somewhat cropped at top. Some faded underlining. A few passages censored by Churchmen. Contemporary blind-tooled calf, scuffed. Sm. folio

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