Esrim V’Arbah, Horodna-Vilna 1820. The Vilna Gaon’s Commentary on Nevi’im and Kesuvim, First Edition. Beautiful ...

Esrim V’Arbah, Horodna-Vilna 1820. The Vilna Gaon’s Commentary on Nevi’im and Kesuvim, First Edition. Beautiful Original Set In Original Bindings

A rare set of Nach, featuring the commentary of the Vilna Gaon on Nevi’im and Kesuvim. First edition thus. Printed at the famed printing press of R. Menachem Mann and R. Simcha Zimmel, Horodna-Vilna 1820, and was arranged for print by R. Yehoshua Heschel Katz of Horodna, as stated on the second title page: “The commentaries of the Gaon were edited by R. Yehoshua Heschel Katz from Horodna, who spent many days and nights adding clarity in the commentary of the Gaon”. In addition, the Vilna Gaon’s grandson – R. Yaakov Moshe of Slonim, occasionally adds commentary throughout the volumes. 

Contains commentary of the Gaon for specific volumes only, including: Yehoshua, Tefillas Chana (Shmuel 1:2), Melachim and Divrei Hayamim, Yeshaya (until chapter 12), Yechezkel, Hoshea and Chabakuk. In Sefer Yehoshua, we find various textual differences between this edition and the earlier printed edition (Tzuras HaAretz, Shklow 1802). It would seem that this version is far more reliable, considering the amount of effort that went into the preparation of this set. 

This set is exceptionally scarce, especially in a condition such as this. Interestingly, the late bibliophile and collector Yeshayahu Vinograd of Jerusalem – who devoted many decades to collecting Sifrei Hagra – did not possess an original set like this one. Instead, his set was made-up of several different sizes and copies. Hence we see how scarce it is to find an original set such as this one. 

Also contains the Minchas Shai commentary on Tanach, found at the end of each volume with a separate title page. Like most copies, this set does not contain the two folded maps which was allegedly included with volume four.

Various contemporary ownership inscriptions and signatures seen on endpapers of all volumes. The ownership inscription of “Moshe Chaim b. Shaul” appears on all volumes. 

A near complete set in fine condition, all volumes bound in original blind-embossed bindings just as they left the press in Horodna! Five volumes of six, (without volume two - Divrei Hayamim and Melachim). Two title pages for each volume, title in red and black ink. Printed on thick high-quality paper; sometimes on blue-greenish paper. 

Volume I (Nevi’im Rishonim): In very good condition; small tear to first title page. Printed on thick, high-quality paper. [2], 184, [2], 189-200 pp. 22cm. 

Volume III (Nevi’im Acharonim): In very good condition. Printed on thick, high-quality paper. [2], 154, 1-122, [1], 125-129, [1] pp. 22cm.

Volume IV (Yechezkel-Trei Asar): In very good condition. Printed on thick, high-quality paper. Small old repair to title pages. Some pages with insect damage on outer margin, not affecting text. [2], 128, 1-114, [2], 117-134 pp. 22cm.  

Volume V (Tehillim-Mishlei): In very good condition, printed on thick, high-quality paper. Some pages with insect damage affecting outer margins, sometimes touching just a few letters. Printed on thick, high-quality paper. [2], 207, [1], 208-220 pp. 22cm. 

Volume VI (Iyov-Daniel-Ezra-Nechemia): In very good condition. Printed on thick, high-quality paper. [2], 76, 1-66, [1], 67-75 pp. 22cm.