Sefer Otiyot Derabbi Akiva, Extremely Rare and Special Edition, Russia-Poland, ca. 1820

Sefer Otiyot Derabbi Akiva, Extremely Rare and Special Edition, Russia-Poland, ca. 1820

Sefer Otiyot Derabbi Akiva, [Russia-Poland, ca. 1820]. Rare edition. 

Otiyot Derabbi Akiva (also known as Alpha Beta Derabbi Akiva), a Midrash book on the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. According to the title page, authored by Rabbi Akiva: 'שם הספר היקר הלז לבדו מספיק, מאין צורך עוד לפאר הספר והמחבר. כי מחברו הוא התנא האלוקי רבי עקיבא'.

21 leaves. 19 cm. Bluish paper. 

This edition is rare and special. There are only two copies of this edition in Israeli libraries: one in Bar Ilan University and the other in the National Library. 

Background: There are different theories about the place of printing of this edition. Based on the symbol on the title page, some assume it was printed in Russia. According to the Chabad Library, it was printed in Lviv, whereas according to the bar Ilan Library, it was published in Zholkva. According to the National Library, it was published in Russia-Poland by an unknown publisher in ca. 1820. 

According to the title page, it was printed in the Hebrew year of 'לזכות את הרבים', which is yet to arrive. 

Renewed binding. Stains. Moth holes. Small blemishes to the edges of two leaves and a small tear to the edges of another one. Fair-good condition.