Minhagim (Customs), Abraham Klausner, Riva di Trento: Jacob Marcaria, 1558

40 leaves (6 x 4 in.; 152 x 102 mm). Complete, though pages misnumbered as in all copies. Lightly stained; corners rounded; censor’s signature on penultimate leaf. Modern vellum over board; gilt stamped devices on spine and front cover, titles stamped in gilt on front cover and in black on spine.

first edition of the earliest extant work in the field of local religious custom

Abraham Klausner’s important and influential 14th century work, Minhagim expounds on religious practices and rituals for the entire year according to the Ashkenazi rite. Klausner adapted the earlier work of Ḥayyim Paltiel, a contemporary of Meir of Rothenburg, by adding his own quite considerable explanations. In this, the first printed edition, these were incorporated by Jacob Marcaria and given the appearance of a single work. Klausner’s disciples included such luminaries as Israel Isserlein, Jacob Moellin (Maharil), and Isaac Tyrnau, all of whom drew upon Minhagim for their own seminal works which would in turn influence Moses Isserles in preparing his glosses on the Shulhan Arukh. (Vinograd, Riva di Trento, 8.)