Gal Shel Egozim, Menahem Egozi, Belvedere: Joseph Ashkeloni, 1593

62 leaves (11 3/8 x 7½ in.; 289 x 190 mm). Title mended in gutter margin with a few worm punctures, some waterstains in lower margin, some light browning on a few leaves; censor's inscription (Domenico Irosolomitano–1597)on penultimate leaf. Cream cloth; a few light dampstains.

Vinograd, Constantinople 306; Yaari, Constantinople 228

62 leaves (11 3/8 x 7½ in.; 289 x 190 mm). Title mended in gutter margin with a few worm punctures, some waterstains in lower margin, some light browning on a few leaves; censor's inscription (Domenico Irosolomitano–1597)on penultimate leaf. Cream cloth; a few light dampstains.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Menahem ben Moses Egozi (second half of 16th century), a rabbi, preacher, and poet was a member of a Turkish rabbinical family, members of which served as rabbis of Constantinople in the 16th and 17th centuries. In addition to Gal shel Egozim, Egozi was also the author of Ginnat Egoz, a collection of his correspondence and poetry, extant in manuscript.

In 1592 a new press opened in the palace of Belvedere, at Ortaköy, in the vicinity of Constantinople. The palace stood overlooking the Bosphorus, and served as the residence of Doña Reyna Nasi, the daughter of the famous Doña Gracia Nasi and the widow of Don Joseph Nasi (1524-79), Duke of Naxos.  Doña Reyna appointed Joseph ben Isaac Ashkeloni as manager, and beginning in 1593, they published a handful of titles, including Gal shel Egozim.

After a hiatus in printing operations from 1594 to 1597, the press relocated to Kuru-Chesme, a suburb along the Bosphorus to the east of Constantinople.  Although the reason for this move from Belvedere is unknown, some possible factors which have been proposed to explain the relocation include an outbreak of plague or conflagration in Constantinople, or perhaps Donna Reyna's reduced circumstances at the time. About ten, primarily small books were printed in Kuru-Chesme until 1599, when the press ceased to publish, possibly due to the death of Doña Reyna.  Approximately fifteen titles are known from Donna Reyna's press in its two locations.