Sefer Mikneh Avraham, Venice 1523. First Edition.

Sefer Mikneh Avraham, Venice 1523. First Edition.

Sefer Mikneh Avraham, a comprehensive guide to the Hebrew language and the proper pronunciation and Dikduk of the Hebrew alphabet. Authored by R. Avraham De Balmes who was originally from Spain and was forced to flee to Venice during the inquisition. He alludes to this in the preface to this work. 

This work was printed by Daniel Bomberg and at his request. The author notes in his introduction that Bomberg personally requested from him that he author this work so that he and his team can become familiar with the Hebrew language, as it would be beneficial to them when printing Hebrew books. This work was issued in two variants which were printed concurrently. One with Hebrew and Latin translation, and another entirely in Hebrew, as the present lot. This Hebrew-only variant is of greater scarcity than the Latin-Hebrew variant. The Latin variant was printed primarily for the Gentiles, such as Bomberg, who did not yet read Hebrew.

A very interesting work. This is perhaps the only work issued by Bomberg to be printed entirely with Nikkudos (vocalization points). On pp. 4 there are several examples of ancient Ksav Ivri, truly fascinating to see in an early 16th century book. The final [14] leaves of the book contain a separate work to explain the Ta’amim (cancellation points) and their proper sounds, authored by R. Klonimus b. R. David. He writes that he took over since R. Avraham De Balmes had died while writing his work and had managed to complete it. It would seem that indeed R. Avraham intended to write on this topic as well but did not manage to do so. 

[157] pp. In very good condition, with light stains. Previous ownership inscriptions seen on title page. Bound in a new binding, slipcased.