Mishlei with the Rashi commentary, and with the commentary of R. Eliyahu, the Gaon of Vilna. Shklow, [1798]. First edition. First published work of the Gaon of Vilna.
This commentary to Mishlei was written and brought to print by the close disciple of the Gaon of Vilna - R. Menachem Mendel of Shklow.
R. Menachem Mendel wrote in his preface that the commentaries following the literal meaning consist of his own wording of his teacher's thoughts, whilst the kabbalistic commentaries are an accurate transcription of his teacher's words: "The kabbalistic teachings in this book are his actual holy words, he dictated and I recorded them in his presence". R. Menachem Mendel relates further in his preface: "I heard from him expressly that he did not offer the literal meaning of any verse without knowing its kabbalistic meaning, which he clothed in the literal interpretation of the verse". The commentary to Mishlei was published within the year of mourning following the passing of the Gaon of Vilna, and it was his first composition to be published, upon his express request "that it be printed first, since it is replete with fear of G-d, and 'the beginning of wisdom is fear of G-d'".
R. Menachem Mendel of Shklow spent the last two years of the life of the Gaon of Vilna beside his teacher, never departing from his presence. Following the passing of his teacher, he arranged and prepared for print part of the Gaon's writings on Halacha and Aggadah. Additionally, he brought to print entire compositions consisting of teachings orally received from his teacher, which he had immediately recorded, such as the commentaries of the Gaon of Vilna to Seder Olam, the Passover Haggadah and this commentary to the Book of Mishlei.
61; 15, [1] leaves. Lacking leaf 8 of first sequence. 20.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, dampstains. Ink stains and dark stains to title page. Tears to inner margins of title page, affecting text, repaired. Worming, repaired with tape in several places. New binding.
Vinograd, Otzar Sifrei HaGra, no. 88.