Tanach - Biblia Hebraica - The Menasseh ben Yisrael Edition, Amsterdam 1635-36. A Fine Copy.

Tanach - Biblia Hebraica - The Menasseh ben Yisrael Edition, Amsterdam 1635-36. A Fine Copy.

A complete copy of Menasseh ben Yisrael’s remarkable edition of the Tanach, printed in Amsterdam in 1635-1636. Menashe Ben Yisroel (1604-1657), a leading Rabbi in 17th century Amsterdam, and the founder of the first-ever Hebrew printing press in Amsterdam. The Tanach was first printed by Menasseh ben Yisrael several years earlier in 1630-1631, followed by this 1635-1636 edition, which is considered to be the most important of all editions. He was particularly well-known for his exacting printing standards, both in terms of quality and accuracy. In his preface to this edition, he boasts that although our sages teach that one may not take pleasure in his friend’s downfall, nonetheless the beauty of this in contrast to others is evident and self-explanatory. He estimates more than 300 textual corrections were made in this edition, making this edition one of the most textually accurate Bibles ever printed to date.

Four parts in one volume, including the Torah, Five Megillos, Nevi’im and Kesuvim. With an additional title page in Latin. Separate title pages for Nevi’im Rishonim, Nevi’im Acharonim, and Kesuvim. Chomesh Megillos bound after the Torah section, printed without a separate title page. This copy includes the additional [2] pages of indices for Haftorah readings, which are lacking in some copies. With an additional blank between Nevi’im and Kesuvim, aside from the separate title page.

Second corrected and expanded edition, known as the rarest and most important of all editions. 

A fine copy in good-very good condition. Printed on high-quality, thick white paper. Light stains to first several leaves. Occasional Latin marginalia seen on some leaves. Bound in original (?) leather binding, partly restored; chipped, rubbed. 

[2], 128, [2], 129-144, [1], 146-254, [1], 256-369,[2], 124 pp. 

Vinograd, Amsterdam 34.