Bidspirit auction | 1588 HEBREW LEXICON ANTIQUE LIBER

1588 HEBREW LEXICON ANTIQUE LIBER RADICUM SEU LEXICON EBRAICUM 16C PIGSKIN FOLIO - Avenarius, Johann [Sefer ha-shorashim] Hoc est, Liber Radicum seu Lexicon Ebraicum. Witebergæ: Haeredes Johannis Cratonis (The Heirs of Johann Krafft the Elder) ; 1588 1st edition Woodcut on title and colophon. Folio: 9 by 13 1/4” Original blind-stamped pigskin over pasteboard; shelf-worn, ex-libris cut from title margin and conserved, lacking front free endpaper, some toning, generally sound otherwise. Text in Latin (with Hebrew). Occasional quotations in Greek and German. [8] lvs, 870 pp, [1] leaf (colophon) Woodcut printer’s device at title, a larger half-page version appearing as a vignette at the colophon; woodcut lettrines. Hebrew lexicon organized by triliteral roots. Each alphabetic section is headed by a biblical passage beginning with that letter. The author's approach is idiosyncratic, and ”proceeds on the principle that the Hebrew, being the primitive language, from which all others have been derived, may be explained by the aid of the Greek, Latin, German, [and] English” (Jenks). ”Hoefer notes that the work was highly praised by the celebrated classical scholar Isaac Casaubon, who also took a great interest in Hebraic studies. The protestant theologian and Hebraist Johann Habermann (Avenarius; 1516-1590) was professor of theology at Jena, and archbishop of Zeitz. Some of his works were quite popular: his celebrated prayerbook went through several edition between 1578 and 1610; and his Hebrew Grammar was printed at least five times between 1562 and 1597. As with many of his Lutheran brethren, Habermann sought high-level patronage for his Hebraica, dedicating the present volume to duke August of Saxony (1526-1586). (Adams A-2305). A remarkable collectible, offering historical significance and aesthetic appeal. Ideal for the discerning collector or as a unique display piece. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions will ship all lots domestically for $25.00 per lot. Combined and international shipping are available. The rates will be provided upon request.