Ma'ayenei ha-Yeshu'ah (Wellsprings of Salvation), Isaac Abrabanel, Ferrara: Samuel Gallus (Zarfati), 1551

142 leaves (7 5/8 x 5½ in.; 194 x 140 mm). Woodcut allegorical title border; top edge of title shaved, oval library stamps obscured on title and on f. 4v, inscriptions on title, marginal notes on a few leaves, title stained, a few small marginal stains, wormhole in outer margin of last few quires; quire 7 misbound. Eighteenth-century half calf, printed title label on spine; edges and covers rubbed.

Abraham Massarano (17^th cent. author of ha-Galut ve-ha-Pedut and son of the Mantuan ballet-master Isacchino Massarano)—his  exlibris on title; Meir ben Shalom Yehudah Halevi Goldschmidt, his bookplate on front pastedown endpaper; additional ownership notations in Greek and Hebrew on title page

Vinograd, Ferrara 5; Mehlman 625

142 leaves (7 5/8 x 5½ in.; 194 x 140 mm). Woodcut allegorical title border; top edge of title shaved, oval library stamps obscured on title and on leaf 4v, inscriptions on title, marginal notes on a few leaves, title stained, a few small marginal stains, wormhole in outer margin of last few quires; quire vii misbound. Eighteenth-century half calf, printed title label on spine; edges and covers 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.

Don Isaac Abrabanel (1437–1508), statesman, philosopher, and biblical exegete, entered the service of Ferdinand and Isabella of Castile in 1484. In 1492, he tried in vain to obtain the revocation of the infamous edict of expulsion of Spanish Jewry. In addition to his commentaries on the Prophets, Abrabanel's exegesis may be found also in the three books which he wrote in order to convince the Spanish Jews of the imminence of the coming of the Messiah in their days. The present volume Ma'ayenei ha-Yeshu'ah (Wellsprings of Salvation)—a commentary on the biblical Book of Daniel was followed by Yeshu'ot Meshiho (The Salvation of His Anointed)—an interpretation of rabbinic dicta dealing with the advent of the Messiah and Mashmi'a Yeshu'ah (Herald of Salvation)—a commentary on the messianic prophecies in the prophetical books. This messianic trilogy is occasionally referred to by the collective title Migdal Yeshu'ot (Tower of Salvation).