Hassagot shel ha-Ramban (Glosses to Sefer ha-Mitzvot), Nahmanides, Constantinople: David and Samuel ibn Nahmias, 1510

70 leaves (7 3/8 x 5¼ in.; 187 x 134 mm). Apparently lacking only first and final blanks. Several leaves mended in lower gutter margin affecting a few words supplied in manuscript, occasional light marginal dampstains and spots. Eighteenth century flexible boards, ms. title on spine.

Vinograd, Const. 23; Yaari, Const. 8; Mehlman, 764

70 leaves (7 3/8 x 5¼ in.; 187 x 134 mm).Apparently lacking only first and final blanks. Several leaves mended in lower gutter margin affecting a few words supplied in manuscript, occasional light marginal dampstains and spots. 18th-century flexible boards, ms. title 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.

Hassagot  is the name given to that genre of rabbinic works wholly devoted to the criticism, usually negative, of earlier books. These works appeared as early as the time of Saadiah Gaon, when rabbinical "books" in the modern sense were first written, but reached their peak in the twelfth century, especially in Provence.  Nahmanides composed his hassagot with the sole purpose of defending his predecessors, Alfasi and the author of the Halakhot Gedolot, against the criticisms which had been leveled against them by Maimonides in the latter's Sefer ha-Mitzvot. 

Nahmanides, strongly criticized Maimonides, accusing him of inconsistencies. Perhaps the most celebrated difference between the two was whether or not the settlement of the Land of Israel should be reckoned as one of the 613 commandments. In Nahmanides view, the obligation to settle the Land is "a positive commandment for all generations, binding upon every individual even in the time of exile."

David Abraham Gentilomo, whose name is written on the front paper cover of the book may have been one of a group of 11 Jews from Lippiano who sought permission to settle in Perugia in 1735.

Literature: Ariel Toaff, The Jews of Umbria, p. 1403.

Provenance: Abraham ben Isaac of Livorno- his signature above title; David Abraham Gentilomo-his name on front cover; M.O. Goldschmidt-stamped exlibris on title page; Meir ben Shalom Judah Goldschmidt- his bookplate.