Hilchot Rav Alfas, with Rashi, Rabbeinu Nissim, Nimukei Yosef and Shiltei Giborim. Bava Batra, Sanhedrin, Makot, Shevuot and Avodah Zara. [Sabionetta, 1555. Printed by Tuvia Puah. First edition of Shiltei Giborim].
Hundreds of glosses in Italian handwriting from the time of printing [second half of 16th century]. At that time, the Inquisitors decreed the burning of Holy Books in Italy, beginning with the burning of the Talmud in Rome on Rosh Hashana, 1553. During that period, study and printing of the Talmud was prohibited, however the books of the Rif were permitted for study. therefore, these books were the primary source of learning by Italian scholars at that time and were used as a springboard for reconstructing the words of the Talmudic sages according to the books written by the Rishonim and other sources. the first book written on the Rif at that time was Shiltei HaGiborim. this is the first edition of that book, although many books authored by Italian Torah scholars at that time were written on the leaves of the Rif. this manuscript is one of those compositions. (For more information on the decree of Holy Books in Italy, see: Introduction to Chiddushei Rabbi Moshe Kazis, Mechon Yerushalayim, 1988; E. Ya’ari, Burning of the Talmud in Italy; M. Benayahu, the Hebrew Printing in Cremona; etc).
(Incomplete copy): Leaves 161-395, (originally, volume of Seder Nezikin: 396; 54 leaves). 37 cm. Good-fair condition, stains and wear, margin trimmings heavily damaged many notes (many glosses still remained complete). Unbound.