Arbaa VeEsrim, with Italian commentary, parts I and II – Five Books of the Torah and Neviim Rishonim. Venice: Bragadin, [1739].
Elaborate edition of the Bible, with a brief Italian commentary, prepared and published by Isaac Foa (printer in Bragadin's press). The present copy includes the first two parts (of four) – Torah and Neviim Rishonim, in one volume. These two parts were printed in 1739, the later parts (Neviim Acharonim and Ketuvim) were printed in 1740-1741. Each part opens with an engraved frontispiece depicting figures from the Bible, produced by Francesco Griselini, author of the illustrated Esther scroll which was published several years later in Venice. Each frontispiece consists of an elaborate engraving within a decorative engraved border (printed in two stages – first the borders and then the engravings in center). The central engravings depict the Sacrifice of Isaac and the figures of Joshua, Samuel and David (variations to these engravings between the various copies; in the present copy, the central engravings were printed in sepia; central engraving on the frontispiece to the Torah part largely faded).
Part I opens with the first edition of a grammatical work by R. Simcha Calimani, a rabbi of Venice and one of the proofreaders of the present Bible edition.
[1], 9, 14-20, 17-21, [3]; 148; [1], 108 leaves. 24.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Worming, affecting text. Closed and open tears to several leaves, repaired in part. Closed and open tears to first frontispiece, affecting text and engraved border (mounted on paper). Inscriptions. Frontispiece of part II detached. New binding, damaged.

PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.