Responsa Tashbetz, three parts, by R. Shimon son of Tzemach Duran. With Responsa Chut HaMeshulash by grandsons of the author. Amsterdam: Naftali Hertz Levi, [1738-1739]. First edition. With seven title pages.

Reputedly, the author, R. Shimon son of Tzemach Duran, merited to have his books beautifully printed and elegantly bound by virtue of his practice to cover his open books with a lavish kerchief (R. Yitzchak Palachi, Yafeh LaLev, III, Yoreh Deah 277: 3). Furthermore, it is told that he deeply respected his holy books and would clean them daily with a silk cloth (Sh.Y. Agnon, Sefer Sofer VeSipur, p. 152, related by R. Eliezerov in the name of the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch; N. Ben Menachem, Gevilei Sefarim, pp. 11-12, related by R. Zevin in the name of the Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch).

[12], 91; [1], 69; [1], 68, [1]; [1], 101, [1] leaves. Does not contain [1] leaf at end of Part II with list of books by the author (this leaf tends to appear in most copies twice, at the end of Parts II and III, while in the present copy it appears only at the end of Part III). 32 cm. Gilt edges (partially faded), decorated. Good condition. Stains. Marginal tears to several leaves. Original leather and wooden binding, with fine decorations, with remains of clasps. Defects to binding.

This edition has several known variants, which can be differentiated by the number of title pages. Some copies have as many as seven or eight title pages (see Kedem catalog, auction 59, lot 88), while other copies have only four original title pages (see Bibliography of the Hebrew Book, and see: Dan and Gita Yardeni, The "Tashbez" by R. Shimon b. Zemah Duran; Amsterdam, 1739-1742, Alei Sefer, X, 1982, pp. 119-132 [Hebrew]).

CB, no. 7199, 16-17; Zedner, p. 704; Roest, p. 1077.