Bidspirit auction | Five Books of Moses and

Five Books of Moses and the Five Megillot. Amsterdam, 1693. Rare Pocket Edition. - The Five Books of Moses and the Five Megillot, together with the Haftarot for the entire year, printed in Amsterdam in 1693 in a small and convenient portable format—an אישי volume intended to accompany its owner regularly. Before us is a miniature pocket-sized volume, among the charming and practical books printed for daily use, regular study, and reading on Sabbaths and festivals. On the title page appears a warm and evocative statement: “A handsome volume suited for every man, so that this Book of the Torah shall not depart from his satchel, to remain always upon his heart, and each Sabbath on its Sabbath.” These words beautifully reflect the intention of the printers—to place before every Jew an attractive and portable Torah volume, always close at hand, at home and on the road. The book contains an additional title page for the section of the Haftarot, in the manner of important and carefully arranged editions. Printed at the press of Kaspar Staan, by order of Antoni Staan, among the notable Hebrew printers of Amsterdam in that period. Amsterdam, 1693. 130, 132–326 leaves. 11.5 cm. Before us is a rare and handsome pocket edition, a testimony to Jewish book culture and to the desire to keep the word of God close to the heart and in hand at all times. Condition: Good. Stains. Worn wooden binding.