Sefer Shevet Musar (Book of the Moral Tribe)
Amsterdam: Hirts Levi Rofe, [1732]. Third edition. Hardcover. Octavo. [1] 199 leaves (double-sided), [2]. Rebound in 3/4 brown morocco over red marbled paper boards. Title page with decorative woodcut borders on the top and bottom. This influential work on Jewish ethics by noted Rabbi Elijah ben Solomon Abraham, ha-Kohen of Smyrna (aka Elijahu Ha-Kohen, c.1650-1729) was first published in Constantinople in 1712, and is today his most famous work. Divided into 52 chapters based on the weeks of the year, the writings and sermons included here draw heavily on previous works such as Moses Hagis' "Or Kadmon", the "Tokahot" of the Spanish poets, the "Orhot Hayyim," and the "Rokeah" by Rabbi Eleazar of Worms. This edition is notable in that in contains both the Hebrew of the original text, and a Judeo-German (Yiddish) translation underneath, printed in the traditional period Vaybertaytsh script.
Text in Hebrew and Yiddish.
Binding with some minor to light bumping and rubbing to extremities, including the spine. Small white label with handwriting on the spine. Interior front cover with a small white sticker and relevant bibliographic notes written in pencil. Title page detached but present. Pages throughout with sporadic light waters stains. The first four leaves (including the title page) repaired and reinforced with tap along the edges. No loss of text. Book block tight overall. Binding in very good-, interior in good+ condition overall. Item #48367
Hebrew title: ספר שבט מוסר
Author: אליהו בן אברהם שלמה הכהן האתמרי
Publication: אמשטרדם, הירץ לוי רופא
Alternate Transliterations: Elijah ben Solomon Abraham, ha-Kohen of Smyrna
Bibliographic references: Vinograd, p.62, Amsterdam #1400.
Price: $950.00