Rosh Yosef, first and second volumes, by Rabbi Yosef Eskapa, Av Beit Din of Izmir:
1. Rosh Yosef, explanation of a few Halachot from the Orach Chayim, Volume One. Izmir, [1658]. First Hebrew book ever printed in Izmir [according to most bibliographers]. Includes a rare index page at the end of the book.
2. Rosh Yosef, explanation of a few Halachot from the Choshen Mishpat, Volume Two. Only edition, from the earliest Izmir prints. On the title page there is a drawing of a mountain with the caption “Al Har Gavoha Ali Lach”. Owner’s inscription in Oriental handwriting on the title page with a dedication to the “Midrash Beit Ya’akov”.
Rabbi Yosef Eskapa (1570-1662) was among Turkey’s greatest sages. Born in Salonika. Was the teacher of fake messiah Shabtai Tzvi (during his youth) and was among the first to oppose him.
Varying sizes and conditions. Moth damage, slightly cut edges. Rebound.
From Dr. Israel Mehlman’s private collection.