The First Illustrated Hebrew Book Printed. ‘Mashal HaKadmoni’. Venice 1547. Complete, Beautiful Copy.

The First Illustrated Hebrew Book Printed. ‘Mashal HaKadmoni’. Venice 1547. Complete, Beautiful Copy.

Mashal HaKadmoni by Rabbi Yitzchak Ibn Sahula, authored in Italian in 1281, and first printed in Italy in 1491. The author describes in his book his own process of “Returning to the Good”, which he began at the age of 37, following deep self-introspection.

The book is written in an engaging poetry form of stories. It is comprised of five sections, each focusing on a different character trait; intelligence and wisdom, repentance, apt advice, humility and fear of G-d. In his writings, the author uses the structure of a dialogue between himself and a stubborn, wise man who tries to persuade him to cease his positive approach.

“And I have authored a book of parables, personal and general one. A man of valor and multi-faceted, and I divided it to five sections, and each section to two parts. One part is the question; the second part is the solution, and each one debates with the other.

Mashal HaKadmoni is the first Hebrew book to include illustrations.

“I chose to illustrate it, in order to teach and explain and attract the attention of young ones. They should see its beauty and perhaps thereby be drawn to the principal part.”

The book is unique, not only in its inclusion of illustrations. In contrast to Christian manuscripts, the animals portrayed here have a distinctively Jewish character. Ibn Sahula endows them with elevated character traits; the animals don’t embarrass any believing Jew, the birds make up a Minyan- quota in synagogue, a righteous deer prays the three prayers, and the lion dreams of journeying to the Holy Land, (a yearning he merits to fulfil).

This book was first printed in Barisha, Italy in 1491. This significant copy was printed in 1547 by Rabbi Meir son of Yaakov Frentzoni, who was responsible for the printing of an additional 31 Jewish books in Venice, Italy. This edition was printed with additional illustrations that do not appear in the first incunable.

Venice 1547. Frentzoni Meir son of Yakov.

64 pages. A few old, small adhesions. Small tear that doesn’t detract. Modern, leather binding. Wonderful copy.

Otzar Hasefer Computerized Database, No. 41567.

Rare, valuable item.