Evronot. Offenbach, 1722. With All Illustrations and the Complete Rotating “Volvelles” – Extremely Rare

Evronot is one of the foundational works for establishing the Hebrew calendar and calculating the seasons, lunar conjunctions, and the movements of the celestial bodies. Authored by Rabbi Abraham Belin Ashkenazi, together with the supplement Noten Teshu‘ah by Rabbi Nathan Yehoshua. Offenbach, 1722.

This is an impressive illustrated edition, featuring numerous diagrams throughout: complex calculation tables, astronomical schematics, and two large illustrations of an open hand. The title page bears a detailed engraving of the solar system and the zodiac signs, together with figures of Moses and Aaron—symbolically uniting astronomical science with Jewish tradition.

The most remarkable feature of the book is its printed rotating paper discs (“volvelles”), designed to demonstrate the movements of the sun and the zodiac. These discs revolve around a central axis, enabling practical visualization of astronomical tables and calculations of celestial motion. Such mechanical paper devices are rare in early Hebrew printing and reflect a sophisticated educational tool.

By their very nature, since the discs rotate on the page, they are highly prone to detachment and loss over time. In most surviving copies, the volvelles are torn, incomplete, or entirely missing. Complete examples with all rotating elements intact are therefore exceptionally rare.

In the present copy, all the volvelles are preserved in full. Each disc remains attached in its original designated place, fastened as issued at the time of printing with string. Some of the discs were originally mounted on colored paper, adding to the visual and technical appeal of the work.

[2], 40 leaves. 19.5 cm.

Very good condition. Minor marginal restoration to the title page. Handsomely rebound in a new decorative leather binding.

A rare and complete copy of a foundational scientific-halakhic work, with its original rotating mechanical elements fully preserved—an uncommon survival.