Rosh David (Chida) – Mantua, 1776 – Copy Given by Author to Emissary Rabbi Yisrael Chaim Refael Segre – First Edition

Rosh David (Chida) – Mantua, 1776 – Copy Given by Author to Emissary Rabbi Yisrael Chaim Refael Segre – First Edition

Rosh David, novellae and homiletics on the Torah portions by R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai – the Chida. Mantua: Eliezer Shlomo of Italy, [1776]. First edition.

The only book printed by the Chida in Mantua (all his other books were printed in Livorno, apart from one in Pisa).

This book was given as a gift by the author – the Chida – to the emissary R. Yisrael Chaim Refael Segre. At top of title page, self-dedication handwritten and signed by the recipient: "Gift from the great author to Yisrael Chaim Refael Segre".

R. Yisrael Chaim Refael Segre (d. 1832), a leading Jerusalem Torah scholar, well-versed in both the revealed and hidden Torah. Set out as an emissary twice, for both the Hebron and Tiberias communities. Author of Ateret Yisrael and Tiferet Yisrael.

Ownership inscriptions in Persian script and stamp of "Shlomo son of R. Shmuel".

Additional ownership inscription on title page (torn and incomplete). Pen trial with calligraphic inscription on back endpaper of "Shlomo Yosef Mizrachi".

[2], 102, 109-110, 112-137, 139-164; 5 leaves. 27.5 cm. Condition Varies; first leaves in fair condition, most leaves in good-fair condition. Stains, including large dampstains to first leaves. Open tears to title page and first and last leaves, affecting text and title frame, repaired with paper to first two leaves. Old leather binding, worn and damaged.