Shiltei HaGiborim, comprehensive work pertaining to the Temple, the Kohanim and Levites, the Temple vessels, musical instruments and more, by R. Avraham HaRofe Portaleone (Shaar Aryeh). Mantua: printed by the author R. Avraham Portaleone, [1612]. First edition. Four title pages.

In this book, the author describes at length the Temple, its vessels and its service. The principal part of the book (the first 90 chapters) is a comprehensive study of the material aspects of the Temple and its vessels. The book is based on the Bible and rabbinic sources, as well as ancient Jewish, Muslim and Christian traditions and contemporary science – architecture, medicine, chemistry and more. This part also identifies the botanical species of the incense spices and anointing oil, the gemstones on the breastplate and their properties, and a detailed study of the Temple music (including historical details on the instruments and musical modes used in the Temple). In addition, the book contains a comparative linguistic study of Hebrew words, based on the author's mastery of ten European and Semitic languages, especially Greek and Latin.

The book was typeset and printed by Elishama Zifroni, who specifically came from Venice to that end, bringing all the printing equipment and type from the Di Gara printing house, which had been closed shortly beforehand. The typesetter was apparently not adept at his job, and the author complains at length about various issues and printing errors (p. 184b).

On the last two pages is an afterword by the author with autobiographical details, as well as details on his non-Hebrew works and the present book, which was completed in Elul 1607.

Signature on title page, partially deleted with ink: "Shlomo son of R. Elyakim[?]".

Several glosses in Italian script, somewhat trimmed.

12; 103; [1], 106-124; [1], 126-130; [1], 132-186 leaves. Without [1] blank leaf after leaf 103. 28 cm. Most leaves in good condition. Stains. Marginal tears to title page and several other leaves, partially repaired with paper. Worming to last leaves, slightly affecting text, repaired with paper. New binding.

CB, no. 4288,1.