Sepher Tuv Ta’am [on cantillation points and grammatical accents]

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

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

author

LEVITA, ELIJAH BACHUR.

printer

Daniel Bomberg

Place

Venice

Publication

1538

Description

FIRST EDITION.

references

Vinograd, Venice 155.

summary

Levita here puts forth the theory that the Torah’s cantillation points (“trop”) were not Sinaitic but rather of post-Talmudic origin. This novel idea, which contradicted that stated in the Talmud (see TB Nedarim 37b and commentaries) became the subject of much controversy. See EJ, Vol. XI, col. 134. This work proved to be so popular that it was immediately republished in Basle, 1539.

pp. 35. Trace stained. Bound in Valmadonna-custom blind-tooled chestnut calf, spine in compartments and titled in gilt. Housed in fitted slip-case. Sm. 4to.

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