Book of Yosifon (Josephus). Translated Into Yiddish. Amsterdam, 1661. Never Before Offered At Public Auction! ...

Book of Yosifon (Josephus). Translated Into Yiddish. Amsterdam, 1661. Never Before Offered At Public Auction! Unique Edition with Numerous Engravings. Exceedingly Rare

Early edition of The Book of Yosifon, translated into Yiddish-Deitsch (German in Hebrew letters). The book chronicles Jewish history from the time of creation up till the destruction of the Second Temple. Authored by Yosef son of Mattityahu HaKohen.

The historical reliability of this book has been disputed due to the fact that its author wrote it under the vigilant supervision of the Roman government. Throughout the ages, however, great Jewish sages (including Rashi, the Ba’al HaAruch, and others) have trusted Sefer Yosifon's contents and cited it in their works.

Rabbi David Ganz, a disciple of the MaHaral, was one of the most prominent chroniclers of Jewish History of all times. He wrote: “Joseph son of Gurion the Kohen, of pedigree, priestly lineage of Jerusalem, authored his book following the Temple’s destruction. If some of his words seem to contradict that of the Sages…know that this man was outstanding in his wisdom; an upright and righteous man, who preceded the Sages of the Talmud by a few hundred years. He witnessed all the events of his era, hence we do not consider him to be an unreliable author. Hence famed, wise men fused his writings with that of the Sages in a fashion that one did not contradict the other. (Tzemach David, Vol. 1, Ch. 829). “

Beautiful print with numerous outstanding engravings. Illustrated title page featuring Biblical scenes and angel figures.

Amsterdam, 1661.

368 leaves. Very good conditions. Quality, thick paper. Lovely, antique, half-leather binding.

Early edition of a prominent, historical Jewish book in Yiddish, with many wonderful illustrations. Never before offered at public auction!