Bidspirit auction | BACHIAH BEN ASHER Biur al

BACHIAH BEN ASHER Biur al HaTorah [Kabbalistic commentary to the Pentateuch]. Previous owners’ inscriptions on title including, Zechariah ben Israel Foa (with his doodle on final blank page). Scattered marginalia. ff. 230. Lightly stained, some foxing, trimmed, few leaves remargined. Modern calf. Folio. Vinograd, Venice 264. Venice: Daniel Bomberg 1546 This commentary to the Torah is truly an encyclopedic work utilizing a wide variety of sources. Especially noteworthy are the author’s Kabbalistic references as well as Midrashic interpretations. R. Bachiah was well versed in this literature and brings forth many passages from lost Midrashim. The previous owner of this influential encyclopedic work was a member of an ancient illustrious Italian family. For an extensive treatment of many distinguished members of the Foa family, see A. Yaari, Mechkerei Sepher (1958) pp. 325-44. This commentary to the Torah is truly an encyclopedic work utilizing a wide variety of sources. Especially noteworthy are the author’s Kabbalistic references as well as Midrashic interpretations. R. Bachiah was well versed in this literature and brings forth many passages from lost Midrashim. The previous owner of this influential encyclopedic work was a member of an ancient illustrious Italian family. For an extensive treatment of many distinguished members of the Foa family, see A. Yaari, Mechkerei Sepher (1958) pp. 325-44.