Bidspirit auction | Five Books of the Torah

Five Books of the Torah – Published by Soncino Society – Berlin, 1930s - Five Books of the Torah, Bereshit, Shemot, Vayikra, Bamidbar and Devarim (with divisional title pages for each of the Five Books). Berlin: Soncino Society, 1930-1933. Fine bibliophile edition in large format, printed in 850 copies on thick, high-quality paper. The letters and initial panels were designed by Marcus Behmer, after the font used by Gershom Kohen in Prague. Original brochure of the society bound at end of volume; this brochure was also printed in 850 copies. [134]; [2] leaves. 40 cm. Gilt top edges (somewhat faded). Good condition. Stains. High-quality leather binding (signed ”J. Brandt & Zoon, Amsterdam”), with gilt spine. Minor defects to binding. Bookplate of Mozes Heiman Gans. The Soncino Society of Friends of the Jewish Book was founded in Berlin in 1924 and published books with meticulous attention to typographic design. The Soncino Society meant to continue and print all the other books of the Bible, but the dramatic political changes in Germany at the time led to the early termination of the project. The Soncino Chumash is regarded as the pinnacle of the society's achievements, and is considered one of the most beautiful Hebrew books of the 20th century.