Kochav MiYaakov, responsa and sermons by R. Yaakov Chananiah Kovo. Thessaloniki: Etz HaChaim, [1915].

Exceptionally rare copy, and apparently the only extant copy. Nearly all copies of this edition were burned in the Great Thessaloniki Fire of 1917. Isaac Samuel Emmanuel writes that the book was printed in a limited run of 300 copies, of which only 5 or 6 remain. We, however, know of no other extant copy. The NLI catalog contains a facsimile made from the present copy; the same is true of Otzar HaHochma and HebrewBooks. The record in the Bibliography of the Hebrew Book is based on this copy.

R. Yaakov Kovo (1824-1907), Rabbi and yeshiva dean in Thessaloniki, and scion of a famous Greek rabbinical family. Kochav MiYaakov was the last responsa collection of a rabbi of Thessaloniki to be printed in the city.

[3], 20, 23-68, 71-137; 14, 17-37 leaves. Lacking 6 leaves: 21-22, 69-70, and leaves 15-16 of second sequence. The book ends at leaf 37 of the second sequence, and it is unknown whether more was printed. 33.5 cm. Condition of leaves varies. First leaves in fair collection; many leaves in middle of book in good-fair condition. Stains. Worming, affecting text (worming in many places on first leaves). Tears and open tears to margins of title page and other leaves, affecting text (title page repaired with strips of paper on both sides). New binding.