Bidspirit auction | Kitzur SeMaG with translation and

Kitzur SeMaG with translation and additions in Latin — Basel, 5293 [1533] — first rare edition, a work that aroused sharp controversy. Impressive copy. - Kitzur leSefer Mitzvos Gadol (Semag) of R. Moshe of Coucy, by an unknown author, with a Latin translation and additions by Sebastian Münster. Basel, 1533. Printed by Henricus Petrus. Hebrew and Latin. The present volume is the first edition of Kitzur Semag, an exceptional work that gave rise to considerable controversy regarding both its authorship and the purpose of its publication. No manuscript copies of the work are known today, and it first appeared in the present edition, followed by several later editions, some with commentaries by various rabbis. The book is divided into two parts: a Hebrew section opening from one side of the volume, and a Latin section beginning from the opposite side. Some maintained that R. Moshe of Coucy himself prepared the abridgment of his work (as stated by the Chida), while others argued that Münster himself initiated the work for polemical purposes against Judaism. In his introduction to the Latin section, he states that he published the work in order to demonstrate ”how the eyes of the Children of Israel have been blinded... to follow the Oral Law.” Consequently, some questioned whether the work should have a place in the corpus of Jewish literature. Münster also added two leaves at the end of the Hebrew section containing the principles of the Christian faith. In many copies, the leaves containing the principles of the Christian faith were removed or defaced by Jewish owners. The present copy is exceptionally complete, preserving the full Hebrew and Latin title pages, as well as the two rare leaves dealing with the principles of the Christian faith. Preceding the Latin section are several leaves of early English manuscript notes concerning the life and work of Sebastian Münster. The writer describes Münster as a renowned scholar of the Hebrew and Chaldean languages, translator of the Bible, and author of the celebrated Cosmographia, referring to him as the ”German Strabo.” The notes praise his Hebrew-to-Latin translation as particularly faithful and accurate. They also include biographical details, among them his association with Luther and his death during the plague in Basel in 1552. These manuscript notes add particular historical and scholarly interest to the present copy. A complete copy of this rare edition in good condition, as found here, is seldom encountered, making it a distinguished and important bibliographical item. 245 leaves. An impressive copy. Gilt edged pages. Minor stains. Contemporary burgundy leather binding, with gilt embossing. Slight wear to the spine. Very good condition.