David Kimhi

Sefer ha-Shorashim (Book of Roots: Dictionary). Naples: [Azriel ben Joseph Ashkenazi Gunzenhauser], Elul [5]250 (18 August–15 September 1490)



Chancery folio (10½ x 7 7/8 in.; 267 x 201 mm). Types 1:175 (sq.), 2A:88 (sq.), 3:88 (sc.). 47 lines with  printed marginalia. collation: 1–18^{8: 143 (of 144) leaves, lacking only blank fol. 1; fol. 2 browned on recto, repair to inner margin of fol. 3, other stains to inner and outer margins of leaves, a marginal wormhole in quire 9, overall, the paper is unusually fresh and strong. Late nineteenth-century brown boards, edges stained red.} 

Pelegrino Treues (inscription, dated 17 August 1590) — Nathan Porges, rabbi, 1848-1924, of Leipzig (signature); an earlier deleted ink stamp on rear flyleaf.

Offenberg 105; Goff Heb-39; Hain 6033; GW 8172; Steinschneider 4821.43; Thes A66; Iakerson 53; BMC XIII 62 (C.50.c.8)

Sefer ha-Shorashim (Book of Roots: Dictionary). Naples: [Azriel ben Joseph Ashkenazi Gunzenhauser], Elul [5]250 (18 August–15 September 1490) Chancery folio (10½ x 7 7/8 in.; 267 x 201 mm). Types 1:175 (sq.), 2A:88 (sq.), 3:88 (sc.). 47 lines with printed marginalia. collation: 1–188: 143 (of 144) leaves, lacking only blank fol. 1; fol. 2 browned on recto, repair to inner margin of fol. 3, other stains to inner and outer margins of leaves, a marginal wormhole in quire 9, overall, the paper is unusually fresh and strong. Late nineteenth-century brown boards, edges stained red.
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.

Second edition, preceded by the very rare Rome edition of ca.1469–1470, the latter being probably the first Hebrew printed book (Offenberg 104: only a two-leaf fragment in America). David Kimhi (1160–1235), of Narbonne, had the acronym Radak as a Bible commentator. The Sefer ha-Shorashim was the second part of his large grammar Mikhlol, but had in the later Middle Ages and well into the sixteenth century an independent life as the standard Hebrew dictionary. Part I of Mikhlol, entitled Helek ha-Dikduk, was first printed by Gershom Soncino in Constantinople, 1530, of which Abraham Ya'ari reports there is but a single copy in the world.  A second, hitherto unknown and complete copy (the copy noted by Ya'ari is lacking two leaves) is included in the present sale (see lot 127).