Rare: Chamisha Chumshei Torah, The Plantin-Bomberg Edition, Antwerp 1566. A Magnificent Copy.

Rare: Chamisha Chumshei Torah, The Plantin-Bomberg Edition, Antwerp 1566. A Magnificent Copy.

A complete copy of the Chumash, with Chomesh Megillos and Nevi’im Rishonim. This edition was printed at Antwerp in 1566 by Christopher Plantin. As a nephew to Daniel Bomberg, he mastered the art of printing and quickly became one of the most successful and influential printers of his day.

Plantin produced a number of Hebrew Bibles in various sizes and formats. Most commonly seen at auction is the 1566 edition printed in a larger 4to format (measuring 9.5x12”) containing all of TaNach, as well as the 1573 smaller edition with no vocalization or cantillation points (Nekudos), respectively (Interestingly, the 1573 edition shares an identical title page to this 1566 edition). This present edition however is the rarest of all since not many copies were published. For further reading, see: Jonah Fischer, Mi-Bet Defuso Shel Plantin Mi-Anvirsha, pp. 30, The Israel Museum Press, Jerusalem 1981.

This present edition contains the Chumash, Chomesh Megillos and Nevi’im Rishonim only. Apparently, it was intended to be used as a “Shul Chumash”, since the weekly Haftarahs are noted throughout the Nevi’im indicating which Haftarah concurs with each portion of the Navi. 

A magnificent copy in excellent condition, which is highly unusual considering how often Chumashim such as this were used. Printed on crisp white paper with wide margins. Bound in 18th century contemporary vellum binding. Remnants of leather ties can be seen. 

17cm. 

To the best of our knowledge, this edition has not been seen at auction in over a decade. See: Kedem Auction House, Auction 2, November 2008, Lot 135 (there without Chomesh Megillos).

[1], 275; [1], 224 pp. 

Vinograd, Antwerp 9.