Alfei Menashe, by R. Menashe of Ilya, close disciple of the Vilna Gaon. Vilna: [Simchah Zissel Tipograf and Menachem Man Romm], [1822]. First edition, printed in author's lifetime.
Signature across first leaves (deleted).
[3], 2-92 leaves. 16.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Wear, worming and small tears. Bookplate. Old leather binding, with wear and defects, without spine.
Vinograd, Otzar Sifrei HaGra, no. 1568.
Enclosed: Second edition – Alfei Menashe, by R. Menashe of Ilya, with Maaseh Mikshah by R. Gershon Chen Tov. Warsaw, 1860. Two title pages.
Signature on first title page: "Mordechai son-in-law of R. Yitzchak Mordechai Rosengarten in Mezeritch" [apparently R. Mordechai Friedman of Międzyrzec Podlaski, author of Poteach Davar].
In this edition, only the Talmudic novellae were printed without the main work. This book ignited a controversy, leading to the printing of an opposing book in 1872, Rivevot Efraim.
[1], 14 leaves; 13, [1] leaves. 19 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Bookplate. Old binding.
Provenance: Collection of Prof. Jordan S. Penkower.
