Keter Torah (Crown of Torah), David ben Solomon Vital, Constantinople: Eliezer ben Gershom Soncino, 1536

128 leaves (8 1/8 x 5½ in.; 206 x 140 mm). Woodcut title border, woodcut diagram on f. 92; first quire supplied from a shorter copy and somewhat wormed affecting border and a few words; owner's note on f. 5; marginal dampstains, spotting and occasional worming in lower margin. Cream cloth; soiled.

Vinograd, Constantinople 154; Yaari, Constantinople 120; Mehlman 705

128 leaves (8 1/8 x 5½ in.; 206 x 140 mm). Woodcut title border, woodcut diagram on f.92; first quire supplied from a shorter copy and somewhat wormed affecting border and a few words; owner's note on f.5; marginal dampstains, spotting and occasional worming in lower margin. Cream cloth; soiled.
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.

The present work is a summary, in verse, of the 613 biblical mitzvot or commandments. The author, David ben Solomon Vital (d. ca. 1536) was among the Jewish exiles from Spain; in addition to his rabbinical responsibilities, Vital was a physician, and is referred to as ha-Rofe (the doctor). He resided in Patras, Greece until his home was destroyed and his library lost during the Turco-Venetian war (1532), relocating afterwards to Arta. A respected scholar, Vital corresponded with leading rabbis such as Jacob Tam ibn Yahya and Meir Katzenellenbogen, who mention Vital in laudatory terms in their responsa. Vital calls his book Keter Torah because the sum of the numerical values of the letters of the word Keter (620) is equivalent to the 613 mitzvot plus an additional seven, rabbinically ordained, commandments. The title page employs one of the Soncino ornamental frames, topped by a crown (keter), an allusion to the title. Two woodcut diagrams, one of three hands, relating to the calendar, the other of a lung, realting to the dietary laws are included in the work, which culminates with a poetic colophon from Solomon ben Mazzal-Tov.