(Commonly mis-attributed to Jonah Gerondi). Issur ve-Heter [dietary laws]

ASCHKENAZI, JONAH

Abraham ibn Usque

Ferrara

1555

FIRST EDITION. Title within architectural arch with the printer’s device of an armillary sphere resting on a scroll with verse from Psalm 130:5 (illustrated EJ, Vol. XIII, col. 1094, no. 7). Wide-margined copy

Vinograd, Ferrara 32; Adams J-312

The printer, formerly known as Duarte Pinel, fled his home in Portugal, for safety in Italy, following the unmasking of his heretofore concealed Marrano identity in 1550. Ibn Usque was responsible for the appearance two years earlier of the celebrated “Ferrara Bible” - the first edition of the Old Testament in Spanish - a testament to the tolerance and liberal sentiment of the princely Family of Este, rulers of the Duchy of Ferrara. See D. Amram, Makers of Hebrew Books in Italy (1963), pp. 280-7 The author was a disciple of R. Israel Isserlin, author Terumoth ha-Deshen. The printed notes on the margins were written by the editor R. Azariah b. Shimon known as R. Ziskind of Posen