Mishlei, Shir HaShirim and Kohelet, printed by Daniel Bomberg. Venice, 1522.
First edition of Mishlei, Shir HaShirim and Kohelet, printed in printing house of Daniel Bomberg.
On last leaves, a Printed dedication by Bomberg to Johannes Reuchlin date February 11, 1522. Reuchlin (Johannes Reuchlin, 1455-1522) – a leading Hebraist, led Hebrew studies in Western Europe. The letter is in Latin, and at the end are two Hebrew columns: "Your wisdom will rejoice outside, will raise its voice in the streets … ". Apparently, the letter was attached only to some of the copies.
On reverse side of back cover is an ex-libris of Firmin Didot (1764-1836), a French book collector, printer and engraver, founder of the stereotype printing method and prominent publisher.
The numbering of this edition (21-31) continues the numbering of the Book of Tehillim, previously printed by Bomberg in 1522.
Copy in very good condition with antique leather cover, fancy, with golden decorations, golden leaf cutting.
[88] leaves, 10.5 cm. (32°). Very good condition. Handwritten note on title page and on last page (apparently, censor approval in Latin from 1540). Old moisture stains.
Very rare, appeared in auction just once in the last 20 years.