Shem HaGedolim, lexicon of Torah scholars and their books, by R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai. Livorno, 1774. First edition, printed in author's lifetime.

The composition Chasdei Avot, novellae on Tractate Avot by the Chida, is printed at the end of the book.

R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai – the Chida (1724-1806), prominent posek, kabbalist, outstanding Torah scholar and prolific writer. Besides his immense Torah stature, he devotedly undertook the position of emissary on behalf of the Hebron and Jerusalem communities. Twice in his lifetime he traveled to Europe. On his second journey, he reached Livorno in the month of Iyar 1774. Adhering to the law enforced in those days to prevent epidemics, he was detained for 40 days prior to entering the city. The Chida took advantage of that time to write this work, despite the fact that he had no books with him and could only rely on his phenomenal memory and wide-ranging knowledge. In his travelogue Maagal Tov (p. 66), the Chida writes: "While I was detained in confinement, I began and finished Shem HaGedolim". Soon after, at the end of that year, he printed the book. In later years, the Chida printed three more additions to this book. The edition we know today is composed of all four parts.

Inside front board, printed paper bookplate, filled in by hand, of the Toelet society in Amsterdam, dated 1825, with signature of "Zalman Hartner" ("keeper of books"). On title page and other leaves, stamps (partially deleted) of the Toelet society.

Inscription on title page.

131, [1] leaves. 14 cm. Interior of book in good condition, binding in fair condition. Stains. Small marginal tears to several leaves, including small marginal open tear to title page. Original leather binding, with gilt decorations. Wear, defects and open tears to binding.

Bookplate of Mozes Heiman Gans.