Sefer Agor. Rimini 1525. Striking copy from the Valmadona Library-Lunzer

Sefer Agor. Rimini 1525. Striking copy from the Valmadona Library-Lunzer

It is widely believed to be the first published book to receive endorsements.

With Handwritten Owner’s Signature, Gloss and Correction.

Halachic composition and early customs on Orach Chaim and Yoreh De’ah topics.

The composition is a synthesis of Halachah and Kabbalah, and quotes the holy Zohar. Many Halachic works refer to this book.

Authored by Rabbi Yaakov son of Rabbi Yehuda Landa.

The title page features handwritten ownership listings: “Inherited from R. Mordechai Sangioniti z”l”.

On the verso of the title page is a handwritten, scholarly gloss with references. On leaf 100b two words are erased due to fear of censorship

1. In place of ‘Meshumad’ appears ‘Mumar’.

2. In place of ‘Shechata’ appears ‘Shehemir’

This is 1 of 7 books the Soncino Family printed in Rimini, Italy as they wandered through Italy with their famed printing press. Rimini was one of Family Soncino’s last stops, shortly before their printing empire could no longer hold out in face of the fierce competition of the famed Venetian printer, Daniel Bomberg. Soncino printing then relocated to Constantinople.

Rabbi Yaakov Landa was one of the leading Torah Sages during the second half of the 15th Century. He migrated to Naples, Italy. He was the son-in-law of Rabbi Avraham Zachash (Zachsan), and is mentioned in the Maharik’s responsa.

Rimini, 1525. Gershom Soncino. Second edition.

[102] leaves. Very good condition. Impressive, new, leather binding. Quality, thick paper.

A striking copy of a most prominent print of Sefer Agor, printed by Family Soncino.

From the Valmadona Library- Lunzer copy.