Lekah Tov, Abraham Jagel dei Gallichi of Monselice, Venice: Juan di Gara, 1595

18 leaves (5 3/4 x 3 7/8 in.; 145 x 98 mm). Few leaves strengthened at gutter; minor tape repairs, not affecting text; minor loss, lower corner f.5. Pencil notations on title, pen on f.2. Gilt stamped cream boards.

Albert D. Friedberg- his bookplate.

Vinograd, Venice 803; Habermann, di Gara 150.  See also: David B. Ruderman, Kabbalah, Magic, and Science: The Cultural Universe of a Sixteenth-Century Physician (1988).

FIRST EDITION

The sixteenth century Jewish philosopher Abraham ben Hananiah Jagel of Monselice, well versed in both secular studies and Christian literature, apparently served as private tutor to wealthy Jewish families. Lekah Tov is written in the form of a dialogue between a rabbi and his disciple, and is clearly directed at a youthful audience. The work is dedicated to the banker, Joseph Fano, and it has been speculated that Jagel composed the book to instruct Fano's children, while visiting him at his summer home outside Ferrara in 1587. Lekah Tov subsequently appeared in numerous editions and translations, including Latin, Yiddish and German.