Eric Chaim Kline, Bookseller

Biblioteca Espanola [2 vols.]

De Castro, D. Joseph Rodriguez

Madrid: Imprenta Real de la Gazeta, 1781, 1786. Complete 2 volume set. Prologue, 668pp, plus index. (6), 748pp. (1). Contemporary leather binding with leather clasps. An important work on the history of literary scholarship by Rodriguez de Castro. Volume 1 covers Iberian Rabbinic authors writing in Spanish and Hebrew from the 11th to 17th centuries. Volume 2 covers Spanish writers, Christian and pagan, writing in Latin or in Spanish from the 1st century through the 13th century. Chapters are organized by centuries. Includes publishing history and book descriptions of the works discussed. The first volume is of particular interest as it stands as a serious work of scholarship in the field of Jewish history at a time when it was still illegal for Jews to live in Spain. In the spirit of convivencia, the author recognizes Jews as an important part of Spanish scholarship. In particular he admired the 14th century poet Shem Tov Ardutiel, who authored the Spanish work “Proverbios morales.” De Castro was even willing to include ex-conversos authors such as Abraham Pereira and Isaac Cardoso, who openly abandoned Spain and Christianity for Judaism. Text in Spanish. Covers chipped. Clasp hinges missing. Some worm holes and rippling to pages. Overall in good condition. Item #33719

Price: $3,750.00