Venice: Stamparia Bragadina, ca. first half of the 18th century. Full speckled leather with top board carrying a designation in gilt reading "ASMORED DEL SCVOLA CASTIGLIANA," patterned paste-downs. 8vo; 42 leaves with (2) pages of manuscript bound in.

8 x 5 1/4 in.

From the Collection of Professor Roberto Severino, Washington, D.C.

Stamparia Bragadina was an important and successful Venetian printer of Hebrew books that was started in the mid 16th century by Alvise Bragadin and continued by his predecessors through the first half of the 18th century. Venice played an important role in early printing history, and in the 1500s it was the primary center for the printing of Hebrew works.

Boards with wear and chipping, edgewear, corners and spine rubbed, binding slightly tight; cracking to front hinge, pages lightly toned and frayed, with occasional grime, foxing, marginalia (including writing in Italian on title page), small stain, and corner folds; the front free endpaper with old tape repair, (10) leaves with 1 to 1 1/2-in corner or margin tears with occasional minor associated losses, one leaf with significant staining and residue; good condition.