Seder Olam Rabah, Seder Olam Zuta, Megilat Ta'anit, and Sefer ha-Kabbalah, Mantua: Samuel ben Meir Latif, 1513

52 leaves (8 x 5½ in.; 203 x 140 mm) including initial blank, lower portion of which is torn away, f. 16 short; some marginal spotting, soiling and dampstaining, blank lower portion of last leaf renewed. Censor's inscription (Dominico Carretto, 1618) on f. 51v. Nineteenth century half-cloth, gilt titles on spine.

Vinograd, Mantua 13

52 leaves (8 x 5½ in.; 203 x 140 mm) includin initial blank, lower portion of which is torn away, f. 16 short; some marginal spotting, soiling and dampstaining, blank lower portion of last leaf renewed. Censor's inscription (Domenico carretto, 1618) on f.51v. Nineteenth century half-cloth, gilt titles on spine.
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.

Four Chronological and Historical works

Seder Olam Rabbah: Midrash ascribed to the tanna (Mishnaic sage)Yose ben Halafta (2nd century). The earliest chronicle in Hebrew of persons and events from the creation of the world to the destruction of the second Temple and the revolt of Bar Kokhba.

Seder Olam Zuta: An anonymous medieval chronicle based on Seder Olam Rabbah. It concisely records the generations from Adam to King Jehoiachin and relates the history of the Babylonian exilarchs.

Megilat Ta'anit (scroll of fasting): An annotated list of thirty six days on which fasting is prohibited. Most originated in the Hasmonean period and reflect military victories or other celebratory occasions.

Sefer ha-Kabbalah: Influential historical work by Abraham ibn Daud (c. 1110–1180) demonstrating the validity of rabbinic tradition in opposition to Karaite claims. It is followed by two smaller books, Zikhron Divrei Romi, presented as a history of Rome but in reality a polemic against Christianity; and Divrei Malkhei Yisrael be-Vayit Sheni, a history of the Second Temple period focused on the Sadducee sect, seen as forerunners of the Karaites.