Auction 79 · Lot 113

Sepher Ha’Aruch [Talmudic dictionary].

Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Hammer price: $3,500

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

author

NATHAN BEN YECHIEL OF ROME.

printer

Gershom Soncino

Place

(Pesaro)

Publication

1517

Description

Second edition. Title within decorative Soncino border. Wider margins. Marginalia.

references

Vinograd, Pesaro 44; Steinschneider, Cat. Bodl. no. 2041 (editio rarissima).

summary

Nathan’s Aruch is “a manifestation not only of its author’s brilliance and deep acquaintance with sources, but also of his encyclopaedic knowledge. Indeed, in some instances it is the sole source for ancient traditions of Talmudic interpretation” (see S. B. Linderman, Sefer Sarid Ba’Arachin (1972) Introduction. The work is important for its many citations of Geonic sources, descriptions of Jewish customs, and citations of long-lost Midrashim. See M.J. Heller, The Sixteenth Century Hebrew Book (2004) pp. 104-5.

ff. 196. Complete but mispaginated (as in all copies). Light wear, some worming mostly repaired and generally not affecting text. Bound in Valmadonna-custom deep maroon crushed morocco, spine in compartments and titled in gilt. Folio.

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