Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Bava Batra, Venice: Daniel Bomberg, 1522

214 of 217 leaves (13  1/4  x 9 in.; 336 x 230 mm). collation: 1^{6 of 8}, 2-26⁸, 27^{8 of 9}= 214 leaves, lacking title and ff. 2, 210;  First four folios with marginal losses affecting a few words, tape repairs. f. 217 detached but present, though with marginal tape repairs; tear passing through text repaired. A few scattered marginalia, some cropped. Multiple instances of owner's ink stamp throughout; ex-libris on front pastedown endpaper. Later half vellum; gilt stamped lettering pieces 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.

In terms of the number of printed pages, Bava Batra is the lengthiest of all the tractates in the Bomberg Talmud. Bava Batra's length is attributable to the fact that the characteristically concise commentary of Rashi is printed only through folio 29a. There, a printed notation indicates that the subsequent commentary is the work of Samuel ben Meir (Rashi's grandson); known by the acronym Rashbam, his commentary is noticably less succinct than that of his grandfather.  (Vinograd, Venice 36; Habermann 40.)