Tsemach Tzadik, words of Mussar and Midot Tovot based on Hazal’s teachings and literature, by Rabbi Yehuda Aryeh Modena. Venice, [1600]. First edition.
“This book… will teach you Ethics from the sages and philosophers… Eyes… have seen those words in a foreign language… [Italian] which have now been translated into our Holy Language. He has left out all unfitting material and has added pleasant words to each chapter… Torah verses and teachings from our sages…”.
Each chapter comes with a small woodcut illustration, among the few earliest Hebrew books ever printed with illustrations.
Text and illustrations are damaged on some of the leaves; the text has been completed in antique, fine, square handwriting.
40 leaves, 14 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Many parts are missing and have been completed by hand, sometimes on different paper. Professionally restored moth damage and tears, missing some text and illustrations. Semi leather new binding.