Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Maasei Chachamim (by Rabbi Yitzchak Min HaLeviyim) – Venice, 1647 – Only Edition, Rare
Opening: $600
Sold for: $2,250
Including buyer's premium
Maasei Chachamim, selected stories and aggadot from Ein Yaakov and Beit Yehudah by R. Yehudah Aryeh of Modena (the author's grandfather), with Rashi's commentary, by R. Yitzchak Min HaLeviyim. Venice: Bragadin and Antonio Calleoni, 1647. Only edition, rare.
Includes seventy-two aggadot, with commentary of Rashi and a brief moral of each story. On last leaf, index of morals of the stories.
On leaves 2-3, introductions and poem by author.
[2] last leaves with announcement by author and index of morals.
21, [2] leaves. 19.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Wear, defects and small marginal tears to title page and first leaves. Close trimming, slightly affecting text of several leaves. Old binding, with defects (back side detached).
Stamps of Jews' College library on title page.
The author, R. Yitzchak Min HaLeviyim (b. 1681), was born in Venice to R. Yaakov HaLevi and Diana, daughter of R. Yehudah Aryeh of Modena. Orphaned of his father, he was raised by his grandfather, who taught him the art of printing. Served as assistant to his grandfather and as a preacher. His works include the present book as well as his autobiographical Medaber Tahpuchot, including a description of the author's life in the 16th-century Venetian ghetto.
Early Printed Books – 17th-18th Centuries
Early Printed Books – 17th-18th Centuries