Shiltei HaGiborim, comprehensive composition about the Beit HaMikdash, the Cohanim and Levi'im, the vessels and musical instruments used in the Mikdash, etc. by R. Avraham HaRofeh Portaleone. Venice: "Avraham Misha'ar Aryeh" (Avraham from Lion Gate [Portaleone] - indicating that the book was printed in the author's home), [1612]. First edition.
Four title pages. The chief part of the book is composed of the first 90 chapters in which the author comprehensively describes the Beit Hamikdash and its vessels and all the Temple service routines. His research is based on the Bible and Chazal, at the same time deriving information from ancient Jewish, Arabic and Christian traditions as well as contemporary science. The composition contains much scientific data such as botanic names of the components of the incense and of the anointment oil, identification of the gems of the High Priest's breastplate (choshen) and their therapeutic qualities, a detailed study of the music in the Beit HaMikdash, including much information on the musical instruments and the various musical styles, expansive knowledge of engineering and architecture, medicine, chemistry, etc. Moreover, the book deals with grammatical analysis of words in the Holy Tongue, derived from the author's command of ten European and Semitic languages, especially Greek and Latin.
All four title pages bear stamps of R. Nachum Duber Freidman of Sadigura, with a lion in the center, and another stamp - "Minchat Shai" - used for stamping books which the rebbe received from Chassidim and friends.
12; 186 leaves. 27.5 cm. Good condition. Light-colored high-quality paper. Stains. Tiny tears to title page and to a few other leaves. Red-ink dots adorn the four title pages. Handsome damaged ancient leather binding, detached and with worming.