Bidspirit auction | Mizbach HaZahav – Basel, 1602

Mizbach HaZahav – Basel, 1602 – Segulah for Protection from Plague - Mizbach HaZahav, with Pitum HaKetoret and prayers for salvation from plagues. Includes a halachic, homiletic and kabbalistic treatise regarding the incense and its properties, by R. Shlomo son of R. Mordechai of Mezeritch, student of the Maharshal (R. Shlomo Luria). Basel: Konrad Waldkirch, 1602. First edition. Illustrated title page, with cherubs (putti). Notable approbations from the great Torah scholars of the generation: R. Mordechai Yaffe, author of the Levush; R. Efraim Luntshitz, author of Olelot Efraim (who writes of the book as a Segulah ”to save from death during plague”); R. Moshe son of R. Avraham, author of Mateh Moshe; R. Yehoshua Falk Cohen, author of the Sma; R. Yeshayah Horowitz, author of the Shlah, and R. Yehuda Leib Eilenburg, author of Minchat Yehudah. In gate 5 (p. 12a), the author writes of the importance of study of Gemara even more than study of the Bible, as it is more effective in achieving purity, temperance, piety and fear of heaven than other types of study. 44 leaves. 18 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including many large dampstains. Wear. Close trimming, slightly affecting bottom of title frame. Worming in a few places. Tears, including large open tear to leaf 41, affecting text, repaired with paper, and minute marginal tears to title page. Old binding, with parchment spine with defects. Bookplate of Mozes Heiman Gans.