Bidspirit auction | Machzor Sha'ar Bas Rabbim -

Machzor Sha'ar Bas Rabbim - A Complete Set, Venice 1716 - A complete set of Machzor Sha'ar Bas Rabbim - According to the Ashkenazic (Italian) Rite. Venice 1716. Two parts in four large volumes, bound in fine leather bindings.  Machzor Sha'ar Bas Rabbim was highly sought after during the 18th century, and is well known for its outstanding and pleasing layout. Interestingly, R. Moshe Chaim Luzzato - The Ramchal, personally favorited the Sha'ar Bas Rabbim Machzor, and filled the margins with his personal glosses. See: Machzor Ramchal, R. Yosef Avivi, Jerusalem 1995.  A rather intriguing episode with regard to the printing of the Machzor is detailed on the final page. As can be imagined, the cost of the printing was astronomical, and the publishers owed substantial sums to the printers. As the completion of the printing neared, their debt had not yet been repaid, and the printers threatened to arrest the publishers and take them for ransom, in exchange for their debts owed. To that end, the printers sign off with a heartfelt plea, begging the public to step in and donate to their cause. Truly a fascinating episode, giving us a rare glimpse into the hardships of the Italian Jewish publishers during the 18th century.  Printed on thick, high-quality paper. Title within decorative woodcut frame.  This set is comprised of four volumes, with each volume split into two, as follows:  Volume I (Part I): [2], 228 pp. In good condition, with light water stains. 39cm. Volume I (Part II): 229-360 pp. In good condition, with light water stains. 38.5cm. Volume II (Part I): 197 pp. In overall good condition, with many remnants of wax stains, commonly seen in prayer books from this era. Tears to pp. 66-67, with loss to text. Bottom corner of title page supplied in professional facsimile, almost with no visible difference from the original. 39cm.  Volume II (Part II): 198-384 pp. In overall good condition, with light water stains. 38 cm.