Sepher Habris
Bruenn: Joseph Karl Neimans, 1797. First edition. Hardcover. 128 leaves, 67 leaves, (7). Black cloth. Red and blue speckled edges. Decorated initials and tail pieces. First printed in Bruenn in 1797, Sepher Habris was the first Haskalah book that was allowed to be studied in yeshivot. Printed with approbations from numerous rabbis. It takes the form of a kabbalistic book, but actually is about science and mathematics. While printed anonymously, the author was Phinehas Elijah b. Meir Horowitz, a student of the Vilna Gaon. Comes with a preface in German and Yiddish by the censor Karl Fischer added to the books in 1799. Text in Hebrew. Stamp from previous owner, Rev. E. Fried, on censor's preface and back free endpaper. Signatures of two previous owners in the opening leaves. Handwritten notes in the margins. Spine covered in tape. Corners worn. Leaf margins stained. Cover in poor condition. Interior in good condition. poor to good. Item #31833
Price: $1,250.00