Sefer HaIkkarim by Rabbi Yosef Albo – Rimini, 1522 – Printed by Gershom Soncino

Sefer HaIkkarim by Rabbi Yosef Albo – Rimini, 1522 – Printed by Gershom Soncino

Sefer HaIkkarim by R. Yosef Albo, principles of Jewish faith. Rimini (Italy): [Jeronimo of Soncino – Gershom son of Moshe], 1522. The title page states that this is the third printing, though this is in fact the fourth edition of the book (see: A.M. Habermann, HaMadpisim Bnei Soncino, Vienna 1933, pp. 61-62).
Printer's foreword on the verso of the title page, copied in its entirety from the first edition of the book, Soncino 1485 (see previous item), including date and place of printing. At the end of the foreword, Gershom Soncino added several paragraphs, mentioning his name and the name of his grandfather, Israel Nathan Soncino, whose sons printed the first edition on his behalf.
Colophon on final leaf.
Initial word on leaf [5] set in a fine woodcut panel.
Signature on title page: "Wolf Segal". Another ownership inscription, partially deleted with ink. Ownership inscription on leaf [5]: "My acquisition, Avraham Lapapa". Handwritten sources in margins of some leaves.

[154] leaves. Approx. 20 cm. Fair-good condition. Stains, including dark dampstains. Minor worming, affecting text. Tears to title page, affecting printer's device and text on verso, and minor marginal open tears, repaired with paper (paper covering some text and printer's device). Marginal tears to several leaves, including minor open tears, repaired with paper. Paper repairs in several other places, partially over text. Inscriptions. Stamps. New leather binding.

Gershom Soncino's famous printer's device, which was later included in many of his books, appeared for the first time on the title page of this book. It depicts a fortified tower set in a frame, accompanied with a verse from Mishlei, "A tower of strength is G-d, into it shall run the righteous and be saved" (see: A. Yaari, Diglei HaMadpisim HaIvriim, Jerusalem 1944, no. 6, note on pp. 123-124).