Sefer Kol-Bo, Rimini: Gershom Soncino, 1525

164 leaves (12 1/8 x 8 in.; 308 x 202 mm).  collation: 1^{4, 2-146, 158, 16-266, 278. Title inlaid and stained affecting border, next four leaves remargined, some moderate dampstaining, spotting and soiling, some worm punctures in last few leaves, last leaf inlaid and a few marginal mends in penultimate leaves. Antique calf with earlier covers laid down, red edges; joints cracking.}

Vinograd, Rimini 7; Steinschneider, Cat. Bodl. 3561; Habermann, Soncino, 79

164 leaves (12 1/8 x 8 in.; 308 x 202 mm). ; collation:14, 2-146, 158, 16-266, 278. Title inlaid and stained affecting border, next four leaves remargined, some moderate dampstaining, spotting and soiling, some worm punctures in last few leaves, last leaf inlaid and a few marginal mends in penultimate leaves. Antique calf with earlier covers laid down, red edges; joints cracking.
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.

Written at the end of the 13th or beginning of the 14th century, the Kol Bo (lit., "All is Within it") contains 148 sections dealing with blessings, prayer, the synagogue, Sabbath, holidays, marriage, monetary matters, forbidden foods, and mourning; it also includes one of the earliest commentaries on the text of the Passover Haggadah. The identity of the author remains unknown, though scholars have suggested a relationship between this work and the Orhot Hayyim of Aaron ben Jacob ha–Kohen of Lunel. Identical language in the two works caused R. Joseph Caro to suggest that Kol Bo is an abridgement of that work, an opinion shared by Hayyim Joseph David Azulai (Hida). The bibliographer Isaac Benjacob went so far as to suggest that the Kol-Bo was an earlier working of the Orhot Hayyim.

In 1519 Gershom Soncino began printing in Rimini where, in order to attract the Hebrew printing trade, the municipality had offered him a prime location and favorable terms. It has been suggested that his stay in Rimini inspired the illustration found on the title page, the Tower of Rimini, flanked by the verse: The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is set up on high (Proverbs 18:10.)

Provenance: Meir ibn Juda ibn Moses Ratzabi—his inscription on title page