Bidspirit auction | Ir Giborim, by the Olelot

Ir Giborim, by the Olelot Efraim – Basel, 1580 – First Edition - Ir Giborim, homilies and ethics on the Torah portions and various matters, by R. Shlomo Efraim Luntschitz Rabbi of Prague, author of Olelot Efraim and Kli Yakar. Basel: Ambrosius Froben for Yisrael Zifroni, [1580]. First edition. The present book is the first work of R. Efraim Luntschitz to be published. The author then resided in Prague, several hundred kilometers from Basel, where the book was printed. On the title page, the publisher is praised for making the long journey. On verso of last leaf, note of publisher on the publication process. Apologia for errors on title page. In the author's later Olelot Efraim, he explains that some of the misquotations in the book are due to his need to rely on his memory for lack of books. Colophon and collation on last leaf. The author, R. Shlomo Efraim Luntschitz (d. 1619), Rabbi and yeshiva dean of Prague (together with the Shlah). A leading Torah scholar of his generation, he was a disciple of the Maharshal of Lublin and the Maharal of Prague. His other books include Olelot Efraim, Kli Yakar, Amudei Shesh and others. His Olelot Efraim is cited extensively in homiletic and Chassidic books. On title page, stamp of ”R. Yaakov Kuntent, dayan of the Amsterdam community” and a handwritten ownership inscription (partially deleted). Many stamps of the Ashkenazic Beit Midrash Etz Chaim in Amsterdam. 137 leaves. 30.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including large dark dampstains to title page and other leaves. Wear. Tears and open tears, including open tears to title page, slightly affecting title frame and text, repaired with paper (title page reinforced by mounting on paper; large open tears to leaves 9 and 88, affecting text, repaired with paper; text replaced by hand on leaf 9). Worming in a few places. New binding, with leather spine and corners. Joseph Prijs, Basle, no. 126.