Iggeret Shmu'el, Samuel ben Isaac Uceda, Kuru-Chesme: Joseph ben Isaac Ashkeloni, 1597

84 leaves (7 1/8 x 5 in.; 180 x 127 mm). Title stained, neatly torn and strengthened in gutter margin affecting one letter, mend in upper margin of second leaf, some occasional dampstaining, f. 59 mended in lower outer corner without loss, worm punctures in last quire, upper margin of last leaf mended affecting a few words which are supplied in manuscript; owners' inscriptions and stamps on title page. Eighteenth-century sheep, blind-tooled in a panel design with a lozenge in the central panel and a floral roll-tool in the frame, all edges marbled; edges, joints and bands rubbed.

Nahum Duber Friedman, Rebbe of Sadigora—his stamp on title page

Vinograd, Constantinople 314; Yaari, Constantinople 234; Mehlman 627; M. Rosenfeld, Hebrew Printing,  94 

84 leaves (7 1/8 x 5 in.; 180 x 127 mm).Title stained, neatly torn and strengthened in gutter margin affecting one letter, mend in upper margin of second leaf, some occasional dampstaining, f. 59 mended in lower outer corner without loss, worm punctures in last quire, upper margin of last leaf mended affecting a few words which are supplied in manuscript; owners' inscriptions and stamps on title page. Eighteenth-century sheep, blind-tooled in a panel design with a lozenge in the central panel and a floral roll-tool in the frame, all edges marbled; edges, joints and bands rubbed.
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.

copy of the rebbe of sadigora

Iggeret Shmu'el is a commentary on the Book of Ruth, accompanied by the biblical text and the commentary of Rashi. The author, Samuel ben Isaac Uceda, (b. 1540), was born in Safed in the Land of Israel and studied Kabbalah under the tutelage of Isaac Luria. After the latter's death, he studied under Luria's disciple Hayyim Vital and in 1580, established his own academy in Safed where both Talmud and Kabbalah were taught. His academy having long benefited from the economic largesse of the wealthy Nasi family, Uceda visited Constantinople in 1597, ostensibly to prevail upon them to continue their financial support. Iggeret Shemu'el was the first Hebrew book printed in Kuru-Chesme after the relocation of the Belvedere press of Doña Reyna Nasi.