Bidspirit auction | Early Manuscript. Otzar Leshon HaKodesh

Early Manuscript. Otzar Leshon HaKodesh HaKatzar – Autograph Manuscript. Italy, early 17th century (first decades of the 1600s). From the celebrated Montefiore Collection. - A comprehensive and detailed grammatical treatise written in Italy during the early seventeenth century, presenting a distinctive approach to the study of the Hebrew language. The work is divided into five substantial sections, based upon the teachings of the great Hebrew grammarians Rabbi David Kimhi and Rabbi David ibn Yahya. In his introduction, the author explains that he chose to compose this work because the grammar books available in his day were too brief and overly concise, whereas he sought to provide readers with fuller explanation and expanded treatment. In an unusual step, the author deliberately concealed his identity. On folio 62 he candidly reveals his motives: first, out of humility, for he did not regard himself as an innovator but merely a compiler of the words of earlier authorities; and second, from concern that he and his work might be mocked. The manuscript stands as testimony to the flourishing of Hebrew grammar and language studies among the Jews of Italy during the late Renaissance and Baroque period. The manuscript comprises 114 pages, written in an elegant Italian hand of the early seventeenth century in the brown ink characteristic of the period. Marginal notes appear throughout the text, and later pencil annotations were added to the front flyleaf. The volume comes from the renowned Montefiore Collection and bears its library stamps on the first and final leaves. Condition: Good. Original vellum binding.