Megillat Sefer, Venice: Cornelio Adelkind, 1552

44 leaves 5 ½ x 3 ¾ in.; (140 x 95 mm). Lightly dampstained on a few leaves; scattered inkstains; only rarely affecting text; modern foliation in pencil; a few minor tears, mostly marginal, expertly repaired. Modern half vellum over gray paper boards; title stamped on spine in red ink.

Vinograd, Venice 441; Steinschneider, 3715.

THE EARLIEST PRINTED HEBREW EPISTOLARY MANUAL

Megillat Sefer is a collection of 113 examples of Hebrew correspondence, which provided a wide variety of well written, erudite, sample letter templates which could easily be tailored to an individual’s specific needs by simply copying the letter and adding the name of the recipient. One can find examples of well-written letters that concern matters such as setting a date for a wedding, disagreeing with a rabbi or arranging a holiday get-together. The titles listed in the table of contents (ff. 2r-5r.) summarize the intention of the letters in plain language: complaining to a friend for not writing; appreciation for a letter received; congratulations on good news; requesting news or information; borrowing money; to return money (with appropriate expressions of gratitude.) A number of letters relate to weddings, including several sample invitations. 

The undecorated title page gives no clue to the identity of the author aside from the enigmatic assertion that the text of the work was found in the possession of a Sephardi. Megillat Sefer clearly filled an important need in Jewish society, affording anyone with the means to own this small volume, the possibility of crafting dignified and erudite correspondence. In addition to being reprinted, first in Cremona in 1566 and several more times during the following century, Megillat Sefer was one of the sources used by Johannes Buxtorf  to create his own Hebrew epistolary manual Institutio Epistolaris Hebraica … (Basel: 1610).