(RaDa”K). Sepher Hashorashim [“Book of Roots” Biblical lexicon and grammar]

Estimate: $2,500–$3,500
Hammer price: $2,500

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

author

KIMCHI, DAVID.

printer

Daniel Bomberg

Place

Venice

Publication

1529

Description

A censored copy.

references

Vinograd, Venice 140; Habermann, Bomberg 147; Adams K-44 (not seen).

summary

A scarce edition of this influential Hebrew lexicographical work. The Provencal exegete and grammarian R. David Kimchi (1160?-1235?), was a life-long anti-Christian polemicist. Under the entry “elem” (column 376), the author, quoting his father R. Joseph Kimchi, derides the Christian assertion that the word “almah” (a young girl) found in Isaiah Chap 7:14 refers to a virgin birth. Unsurprisingly, the offending lines were struck out by the ever-watchful Church censor

ff. (1), 5-570 columns, pp. 3. Previous owners’ marks, light staining, marginal strengthening on opening leaves, censor's signature on final leaf. Losse in old boards, worn. Sm. folio.

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