Beit Middot, Jehiel ben Jekuthiel ben Benjamin ha-Rofe Anav, Constantinople: Samuel Rikoman and Astruc de Toulon, 1511

72 leaves (7¼ x 5¼ in.; 184 x 134 mm). Light spotting on title, some leaves strengthened on stubs, a few scattered spots, some headlines shaved. Nineteenth-century half cloth, title label on spine; rubbed.

Vinograd, Constantinople 32; Yaari, Constantinople 13; Hacker 13; Mehlman 976

72 leaves (7¼ x 5¼ in.; 184 x 134 mm). Light spotting on title, some leaves strengthened on stubs, a few scattered spots, some headlines shaved. Nineteenth-century half cloth, title label on spine; 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.

First edition of this ethical work by Jehiel ben Jekuthiel ben Benjamin ha-Rofe Anav, Beit Middot is divided into twenty-four ma'alot (degrees), of positive and negative middot (ethical values). The ma'alot are based on some 24,000 scriptural verses and rabbinic citations, from both the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds, a wide range of midrashic sources, several no longer extant, as well works of ethics and philosophy, such as Gabirol's Mivhar ha-Peninim. The editor and publisher of  the work was Joseph ben Joel Bibas whose introduction is on the verso of the title page and who composed the poems which appear before and after the text.

Written in a clear and lucid manner, Beit Middot was a popular work, testified to by the existence of almost 40 manuscript copies,  Beit Middot was reprinted several times under the title Ma'alot ha-Middot. It has also been translated into Ladino twice and Jacob Emden incorporated complete chapters into his work Migdal Oz (Altona, 1748).

Jehiel ben Jekuthiel ben Benjamin ha-Rofe Anav (c. 1300), a physician, copyist and paytan (liturgical poet), was a member of the distinguished Anav family. He is also credited with the halakhic digest Tanya Rabbati (see lot 119).