Tur Orach Chaim, with the Beit Yosef commentary, by R. Yosef Karo. Venice: Alvise Bragadin, 1563. Second edition printed in the lifetime of R. Yosef Karo, author of the Shulchan Aruch.
The book was printed approximately ten years after the burning of the Talmud in Italy. The publisher of this edition, R. Menachem Porto HaKohen, mentions the burning in his foreword, and sees Divine Providence in the fact that the Beit Yosef, which contains the principal Talmudic topics, was being published specifically then (see: Avraham Yaari, Sreifat HaTalmud B'Italia – Mechkarei Sefer, Jerusalem 1958, pp. 215-216).
Signatures and ownership inscriptions (including: "The young Yosef Chiya").
19; 436 leaves. 28 cm. Condition varies. Title page and approx. 10 subsequent leaves (indexes) and several leaves at the end of the book – very damaged (large tears affecting text, repaired), the rest of the leaves in overall good condition. Stains and wear. Worming to some leaves, slightly affecting text. Mold stains and signs of past dampness to several leaves. New binding.
Provenance: Collection of Dr. Israel Mehlman.