Manuscript – Commentary on the Book of Iyov, by an Unidentified Author – Unpublished Work / Copying of Mahalach ...

Manuscript – Commentary on the Book of Iyov, by an Unidentified Author – Unpublished Work / Copying of Mahalach Shevilei HaDaat by Rabbi Moshe Kimchi – Western Europe, Early 17th Century
Manuscript, comprising two compositions – commentary on the Book of Iyov, by an unidentified author, and copying of Mahalach Shevilei HaDaat by R. Moshe Kimchi, with a commentary by R. Eliyahu Bachur. [Western Europe, ca. early 17th century].
Early Ashkenazic semi-cursive and cursive script. The first part of the manuscript (leaves 1-32) contains a copying of Mahalach Shevilei HaDaat by R. Moshe Kimchi, on grammar, with a commentary by R. Eliyahu Bachur (the book was first printed in Pesaro 1508, but this appears to be a copying of the Mantua 1563 edition). At the end of the transcript, near the concluding words of the composition, the scribe added his name and the date of writing: " I, his son Yaakov Rothenburg, handwrote this Mahalach, and I completed it today, 26th Av 1615".
The second part of the manuscript (leaves 34-87) contains a lengthy commentary on the Book of Iyov (ending with chapter 20, verse 19), by an unidentified author. It was presumably written around the same time as the first part of the manuscript. The commentary is written alongside the verses of Iyov. The verses were written in "windows", with the commentary written around it (blank "windows" remain on the final leaves, uncompleted by the scribe). The author mentions earlier Torah scholars and commentaries in his work. The latest sources quoted are Ohev Mishpat (Venice, 1590) and Chelkat Mechokek by R. Moshe Alshech (Venice, 1603). On p. 61b, the author mentions the Zohar.
A few words are translated into Yiddish. As far as our research has shown, this work was never published.
Between these two parts, on leaf 33, a transcript (lacking ending) from the book Levush HaOrah by R. Mordechai Yoffe author of the Levushim (Shemot 15, 5), regarding the correct pronunciation of the melopum and shuruk vowel signs.
Owner's signature on p. 86b: "So says Mordechai son of R. Gumprecht".
[1], 87 leaves (foliated in pencil). 15 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dark stains. Marginal wear and minor tears to several leaves. Several leaves trimmed with damage to text. New binding.
Provenance: Christie's, auction 9192, Important Hebrew Manuscripts and Printed Books, June 1999, lot 60.