Responsa Noda BiYehuda, Kama – Prague, 1776-1777 – First Edition – Signatures and Glosses

Responsa Noda BiYehuda, Kama – Prague, 1776-1777 – First Edition – Signatures and Glosses
Responsa Noda BiYehuda, Mahadura Kama, Parts I-II, by R. Yechezkel HaLevi Segal Landau Rabbi of Prague. Prague, [1776-1777]. First edition. Separate title page for Part II.
Owner's signature at the top of the first title page: "Meir HaLevi". Owner's signature using the page number on leaf 4: "David Me[---]". The book contains several handwritten glosses, contesting the author's teachings.
The book was printed in stages. The printing began in Adar 1776 (as alluded to on the title page) and was concluded in Tevet 1777, as stated in the colophon at the end of Part II (p. 140a): "It was completed on… the 28th day… Tevet 1777". Sections 90-93 of Part I (with the well-known responsa against saying Leshem Yichud) are from Sivan 1776 – responsa written by the Noda BiYehuda several months after the printing had begun. Upon the completion of the printing of the book, the author delivered a special sermon in honor of the occasion "on Erev Rosh Chodesh Shevat 1777, upon the completion of his book Noda BiYehuda Kama" (Ahavat Tzion, Prague 1827, Derush 9, p. 18b).
In the foreword to Noda BiYehuda Mahadura Tinyana (Prague 1811), the author's son, R. Yaakov'ke of Brody, describes the printing of this book and the Noda BiYehuda's conduct at that time: "…from the day the printing press was established in Prague until now, they haven't printed such a beautiful and elegant book… He did not spare any money and did not request help or support. When it was concluded, he generously distributed many copies for free, and the rest he gave to booksellers at a set price, equal to all sellers. If a wealthy individual requested to purchase a book directly from him, he would graciously respond: 'I cannot do you this favor; the books can be found in the shops… all who wish can purchase them without favoritism'. Apparently, the money paid for the books did not cover the printing costs which he openhandedly dispensed".
In his book Shem HaGedolim, the Chida writes about the book Noda BiYehuda: "His responsa are based on pilpul and reasoning, astuteness and erudition, and he taught Torah to the Jewish people through his books and disciples… The wise man can discern from his books that the writer is superior among the leading Torah scholars of his times, an outstanding genius…".
The Baal HaTanya said in reference to the holiness and importance of this book and its rulings: "The Rabbi of Prague was peerless in his rulings and G-d was with him, for he… did not deviate from the truth in all his rulings. Even in regard to his long responsum in section 72, although many Torah scholars of his time disagreed with him, in fact the law is as he wrote…" (Mofet HaDor, p. 74).
[2], 86, [9] leaves; [1], 157 leaves. 31 cm. Light-colored, high-quality paper. Most leaves in very good condition. Stains and wear. Marginal paper repairs to title page. Tears and traces of past dampness to corners of leaves 1-29, affecting text of seven leaves. Stamps. New binding.