(Hebrew and Aramaic). Chamishah Chumshei Torah [Pentateuch]. With Five Scrolls (Megilloth) and Haphtaroth. Targum Onkelos on facing pages (Chumash).

(BIBLE).

Tobias Foa

Sabbioneta

1558

With vocalization points (nikud). Printer's device on verso of title page (Yaari no. 21). Two headings within cartouches.

Vinograd, Sabbioneta 41; Darlow & Moule 2407.

Charming edition. Of pocket size, with a carefully revised Targum, set with vocalization (Nikud). In the introduction, a poem expresses that the small size of the volume will enable the reader to comfortably review that week’s Torah portion along with Targum. Referring to the Foa press, David Amram writes: “No Hebrew press of the (sixteenth) century was more fortunate in the number and quality of its workmen” (Hebrew Printing in Italy, p. 291). Foa published in the same year differing issues of this Bible with variations relating to the presence or otherwise of Haphtaroth, Megiloth, Targum and Nikud. A vellum copy of Foa’s Bible was sold by Kestenbaum & Company, 26th June 2001, lot 62; see also Sotheby’s London, Property of the Earl of Rosebery and Midlothian, 5th December, 1994, lot 64.