Lot 290
Johannes Buxtorf – Lexicon of Aramaic Words in the Talmud – Basel, 1639 – Two Engravings – Vellum Binding
Lexicon Chaldaicum, Talmudicum et Rabbinicum, lexicon of Aramaic words in the Talmud and in rabbinic literature, by Johannes Buxtorf. Basel: Ludovici König, 1639. Latin, with Hebrew and Aramaic.
Lexicon of Aramaic words in the Talmud and in rabbinic literature by the Hebraist Johannes Buxtorf (1564-1629). The text is arranged in columns (two columns per page) according to the Hebrew alphabet. Two fine engravings appear in the beginning of the book: author's portrait and the title page. The title page engraving combines a number of scenes; the Tower of Babylon, illustration for the verse "Zarach BaChoshech Or" ("Ariseth light in the darkness") (Psalms), Daniel and Ezra and more.
Buxtorf started writing this lexicon in 1609; it was completed posthumously by his son, thirty years later.
A printed poem in Hebrew is printed after the introduction, describing the book and the process of writing and publishing it.
[8] leaves (including engravings), 2680 pp, [32] leaves, 37.5 cm. Handsome vellum binding with gilt decorations. Good overall condition. Stains, numerous leaves are dark. Tears at margins of a number of leaves. Slight creases and tears to margins of first plate (author's portrait). Bookplate on inner side of front binding. Slight stains and damage to binding.
