"Responsa by… Rabbi Yitzchak ben Rabbi Sheshet" – the Rivash responsa. [Constantinople, 1546-1547]. Printed by Eliezer Soncino. First edition.
A basic book of responsa and Halacha. The Rivash who lived at the end of the period of the Rishonim was born in Spain in 1326 and died in Algeria in 1408. His teacher was Rabbeinu Nissim bar Reuven (the Ran). He also studied from Rabbi Chasdai Karshkash and Rabbi Peretz HaCohen.
The book was printed in separate pamphlets and distributed to buyers on Shabbat in the synagogue as was customary in Constantinople in those days. Constantinople rabbis held halachic debates regarding this custom [see: E. Ya'ari, the Hebrew printing presses in Constantinople, Jerusalem 1967, p. 103, no. 145].
This is a full copy, including the index which appears at the beginning of the book, before the title page.
[300] leaves. 31 cm. Overall good condition, stains. Worm damage to several leaves. Tears (some restored) in several places. Several detached leaves. Handwritten inscriptions. Ancient binding, damaged and detached.