Christian Gerson – The Jewish Talmud – Gera 1613 – Embossed Binding Dated 1614

Jewish work – Christian Gerson – *Der Juden Thalmud* – Gera, 1613 – Embossed binding dated 1614

A rare polemical work from the early 17th century devoted to the Talmud, written by Christian Gerson (1567–1622), a German theologian of Jewish origin who converted to Christianity.

Published in Gera in 1613, the work bears the German title Der Juden Thalmud, fürnemster Inhalt und Widerlegung, in zwey Bücher verfasset (“The Talmud of the Jews, Its Main Content and Refutation, Composed in Two Books”).

Description

This copy retains its original, particularly decorative cold-stamped leather binding, adorned on the covers with rich figurative compositions and ornamental borders. The binding bears the initials “IKTU” and the date 1614, very close to the date of printing and likely corresponding to when it was first bound.

Printed in Gothic type, with titles and passages printed in red and black. The work features several typographic and engraved elements, including an interesting woodcut depicting a scholar working in front of scientific and astronomical instruments.

This copy also features several old handwritten annotations, owner’s marks, and bookplate stamps, attesting to its history and successive ownerships. The edges were originally dyed but are now heavily weathered.

Approximately 454 pages.
Dimensions: 16.3 × 10.5 × 6 cm.
Gera, 1613. Binding dated 1614.

Condition

Condition consistent with the book’s age. Signs of use and aging: wear and cracking of the binding, scuffing and small losses, worn caps and corners, fragility at the inner hinge
Contains old handwritten annotations and stamps. The volume retains much of its original character and a remarkable historical patina.

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