Commentary of Vilna Gaon on Aggados, Vilna 1800. Bound with Gaon’s Commentary on Yonah. First Editions, Vilna 1800. ...

Commentary of Vilna Gaon on Aggados, Vilna 1800. Bound with Gaon’s Commentary on Yonah. First Editions, Vilna 1800. With Rare Aggadic Leaf

Complete copies of two most fundamental works of the Vilna Gaon – an Agadic commentary to various mysterious passages found in the Talmud, as well as a commentary to the book of Yonah, both printed in 1800, a short three years after the Gaon’s death. This copy includes the rare leaf – additional commentary on Masechta Sotah – found only in some copies (not in Vinograd). 

These two editions are particularly important, since they were the first two works published from the Gaon’s manuscript with the consent of the Beis Din of Vilna, and with the explicit permission of his sons, R. Avraham and R. Yehuda Leib. Shortly after his death, many began printing various Torah thoughts and insights – allegedly from the Gaon’s manuscripts – without properly understanding them (such was the case with Shenos Eliyahu, the commentary on Zeraim which was published in such a way that was contrary to his sons’ wishes). This led to many errors and misunderstanding, which caused a great uproar in Vilna. It was therefore decreed by the Beis Din that no works can be published in the name of the Gaon without their explicit approval. 

It was these two works that were the first to merit the approval of the Beis Din, as well as the Gaon’s sons and R. Chaim of Volozhin. The entire edict of the Beis Din appears printed here in its full text. We can assume that the reason why these works were chosen first is because they are not specifically of Kabbalistic nature, thus leaving no room for error.

In overall good condition with light stains and some wear, typical of early Vilna imprints. With rare leaf after pp. 15, not in Vinograd. Previous owners’ stamps seen on some leaves.

Page size: 20cm

[3], 15; 1; [1], 6 pp.