Sefer Halachot Gedolot. Venice, 1548. First edition. Printing press of Marco Antonio Justinian.
Sefer Halachot Gedolot was composed during period of the Ge’onim and is considered one of the first books of Halachah written after the completion of the Talmud. Identity of author [referred to as: Ba’al (author of) Halachot Gedolot] was controversial between scholars of the Rishonim who cite him extensively. Some attributed the composition to Rabbi Yehudai Ga’on, and others ascribed it to Rabbi Shimon Keira. On title page of this book the Samag is quoted: “Rabbi Yehudai Ga’on authored Halachot Gedolot”, and on leaf following title page a special article regarding identity of author was printed [for additional information see preface of Rosh Traub edition, Warsaw 1875]; preface of edition of Azriel Hildesheimer, Berlin 1888; Bibliography Institute CD, record no. 0127157]. This book is a complete copy of the first printed edition.
[4], 144 leaves. 28.5 cm. Varying condition, good to fair. Majority of leaves in good condition with tiny moth holes. Last leaves contain moth damage and mildew stains. Ownership signature “Ya’akov Di Pinto”. Old parchment binding.