Sefer Ha-Yasar. First Ladino Translation (Haverford College, Ms. Hebr. 18). A Critical Edition
Lancaster, CA. Labyrinthos, 1998. Limited first edition. Hardcover. 1/300. 4to. XXXVIII, 562 pp. on acid-free paper. Original red smyth-sewn clothbound with silver illustration on front cover and silver lettering on spine. Twelfth volume in the "Sephardic Classical Library" series. The Sefer Ha-Yashar was first printed in Naples in 1522 and has often been reprinted thereafter. It is a Hebrew midrashic work popularly known as The Book of Jasher and it derives its name from the Sefer haYashar mentioned in the biblical books of Joshua and 2nd Samuel. The book covers biblical history from the creation of Adam and Eve to a summary of the initial Israelite conquest of Canaan (as told in the book of Judges). It contains references that correspond to biblical texts, including the reference to the sun and moon in Joshua and the reference to teaching the Sons of Judah to fight with the bow in 2nd Samuel. Using linguistic analysis, modern scholars have dated the work to the late medieval period. In addition to the Midrash and the Talmud, the author of the Sefer Ha-Yashar drew from Josippon and other medieval compilations. This critical edition is based on the oldest Ladino Sefer Ha-Yashar manuscript, which dates to the latter part of the 17th century. Includes a selected bibliography and a glossary. Introduction, Notes and Commentaries in English; text in romanized Ladino, facing Ladino in Hebrew characters. Binding and interior in fine condition. vg. Item #26555
ISBN: 0911437797
Price: $95.00