Mivhar ha-Peninim (Choice of Pearls), Solomon ibn Gabirol [Soncino]: Joshua Solomon Soncino, 17 Shevat 5244 (14 January 1484)

56 (of 60) leaves (7 7/8 x 5½ in.; 201 x 140 mm), lacking fols. 1 (blank), 4, 5, and 8, the latter supplied in photostat. The text fully vocalized by hand, and numerous marginalia. Nineteenth-century calf, title gilt on upper cover, edges gilt; worn, rebacked, with bookdealer's ticket "Folthorp, Royal Library, Brighton" (fl. 1850s).

Vinograd, Soncino 3; Offenberg 57: Goff, Heb-98

Mivhar ha-Peninim (Choice of Pearls; translated from Arabic by Judah ibn Tibbon), with anonymous commentary. [Soncino]: Joshua Solomon Soncino, 17 Shevat [5]244 (14 January 1484) Chancery 4to (201 x 140 mm; 7 7/8 x 5½ in.). 56 (of 60) leaves, lacking fols. 1 (blank), 4, 5, and 8, the latter supplied in photostat. The text fully vocalized by hand, and numerous marginalia. Nineteenth-century calf, title gilt on upper cover, edges gilt; worn, rebacked, with bookdealer's ticket "Folthorp, Royal Library, Brighton" (fl. 1850s).
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

first edition; the second book printed in soncino.

The Mivhar ha-Peninim (Choice of Pearls, or Choice of Corals) is a collection of epigrams gathered from Islamic, Persian and Indian sources, and arranged into various themes. It is attributed to the poet and philosopher ibn Gabirol, who flourished in Spain in the mid-eleventh century, and wrote both in Hebrew and Arabic. The translation is attributed to Judah ibn Tibbon, of the twelfth-century Provençal dynasty, but the evidence seems not to be certain. The colophon includes the name of the corrector, Solomon ben Perets Bonfoy Zarfati, whose name appears also in the colophons of several books printed by the Gunzenhausers in Naples.

Provenance: Wegman (?: inscription on flyleaf).