Tashbetz, rulings and customs of R. Meir (Maharam) of Rothenburg, by his disciple R. Shimshon son of R. Tzadok. Cremona: Vincenzo Conti, 1556. First edition.

This work, which became known as Tashbetz Katan, is considered an important source whose rulings are presented as law by the Shulchan Aruch and other halachic authorities. It was common in manuscript and became one of the most important halachic books in Germany. Reputedly, the author – a disciple of the Maharam of Rothenburg – recorded his halachic rulings during the latter's imprisonment. The present book is the first edition of the work (the second edition was printed only some 300 years later, in Lemberg, 1858). The present title page records the name of the author (disciple of the Maharam) as R. "Shmuel son of R. Tzadok", but it is commonly accepted that his name was Shimshon (this is also the conclusion of the Chida in his entry in Shem HaGedolim).

Title page illustrated with fine engraving.

Handwritten inscriptions inside front board, one deleted.

Several glosses in Ashkenazic script [ca. 18th/19th century], one referring to the writer's other glosses and novellae (p. 40b).

[6], 55 leaves. Approx. 19 cm. Fair-good condition. Many stains, including dampstains and inkstains. Marginal tears to several leaves. Close trimming, affecting page headers in several places. Early binding, with leather spine. Wear and defects to binding.

Bookplate of Mozes Heiman Gans.