Auction 50

Ramban on the Torah in rare condition. Pizzaro (Italy), 1514. Foundational work.

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Start price: $1,500

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Commentary by Rabbeinu Moshe ben Nachman (the Ramban) on the Torah, the commentary read widely across the Jewish world and which led many of the greatest of the generations to be astonished at his words; some even said that to read the Chumash without the Ramban is like reading Gemara without Tosafot. The Chatam Sofer said of this commentary: “it is the yesod of belief and the root of the religion” (Shut Chatam Sofer, section 6, siman 61).


First edition after the era of incunabula writing, handsome printing by the Soncino Italian family. Stefanski Sifrei Yesod 3. 176 leaves, this copy features a facsimile of the title leaf and last leaf. Afterward are two additional original title pages. Pretty page cuttings with purple color stains.

New inscribed binding, stains, lone bits of moth damage and tape on the moth damage which sometimes damages the text, most of the book is clear and readable in rare condition for a book this rare.

A number of places have ink erasures on certain letters, which seems to be where there was a shadow of criticism of Christianity, probably an act of censorship or fear thereof, but with effort the script can be read.

Notes in antique Italian script with a signature in the body of the work: “Purchased with my money and received by me the young signed Meir Eini Rabbi Masoud HaSofer Davidi with 4 gold dinars.” Handsome signature: “Masoud ben [David?]”
This signature seems to be from 300 years ago.

Additional faded note in another place, and handwritten corrections.