Scrutinium scripturarum
Scrutinium scripturarum
Johannes Schallus, 1475
PAULUS DE SANCTA MARIA (c.1351-1435). Scrutinium scripturarum. –RABBI SAMUEL (Pseudo). Epistola contra Judeorum. Translated by Alphonsus Boni Hominis. Mantua: Johannes Schallus, 1475.
An infamous anti-Semitic text by a converso bishop, in a contemporary binding. Paul of Burgos began his career as a rabbi and Talmudic scholar. In 1391, he—along with his sons, although not his wife—converted to Christianity, supposedly having been convinced of its truth but likely in response to the pogroms which occurred in Spain that year. Paul went on to participate in the persecution of his former co-religionists, writing this dialogic work at the age of 82 with examples from rabbinical literature to urge the conversion of the Jews. This edition was probably copied from that of Johann Mentelin, and the unusual typeface was likely adapted from him. Schallus was a physician from Hersfeld for whom printing was a hobby rather than an occupation; it is plausible that one of Mentelin's assistants worked for him. The second work here was written in the mid-14th century by a Christian, not a Jew—very likely the supposed “translator,” Alphonsus Boni Hominis. Not in BSB-Ink. HC 10765; BMC VII 933; Bod-inc P-047; IGI 7328; Goff P-204; ISTC ip00204000.
Chancery folio (290 x 196mm). 270 leaves. Manuscript contents on reverse of flyleaf. 2 larger blue initials with red flourishes, smaller red initials, red capital strokes (spotting at ends, some dampstaining). Contemporary pink blindstamped pigskin, brass catchplates (rebacked in the 18th-century, lacking straps, caps damaged, joints cracked, losses to leather on boards). Provenance: some marginalia – effaced ownership inscription at top of first leaf – acquired from Lathrop C. Harper, Inc, New York, 3 February 1966.
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Scrutinium scripturarum
Johannes Schallus, 1475
PAULUS DE SANCTA MARIA (c.1351-1435). Scrutinium scripturarum. –RABBI SAMUEL (Pseudo). Epistola contra Judeorum. Translated by Alphonsus Boni Hominis. Mantua: Johannes Schallus, 1475.
An infamous anti-Semitic text by a converso bishop, in a contemporary binding. Paul of Burgos began his career as a rabbi and Talmudic scholar. In 1391, he—along with his sons, although not his wife—converted to Christianity, supposedly having been convinced of its truth but likely in response to the pogroms which occurred in Spain that year. Paul went on to participate in the persecution of his former co-religionists, writing this dialogic work at the age of 82 with examples from rabbinical literature to urge the conversion of the Jews. This edition was probably copied from that of Johann Mentelin, and the unusual typeface was likely adapted from him. Schallus was a physician from Hersfeld for whom printing was a hobby rather than an occupation; it is plausible that one of Mentelin's assistants worked for him. The second work here was written in the mid-14th century by a Christian, not a Jew—very likely the supposed “translator,” Alphonsus Boni Hominis. Not in BSB-Ink. HC 10765; BMC VII 933; Bod-inc P-047; IGI 7328; Goff P-204; ISTC ip00204000.
Chancery folio (290 x 196mm). 270 leaves. Manuscript contents on reverse of flyleaf. 2 larger blue initials with red flourishes, smaller red initials, red capital strokes (spotting at ends, some dampstaining). Contemporary pink blindstamped pigskin, brass catchplates (rebacked in the 18th-century, lacking straps, caps damaged, joints cracked, losses to leather on boards). Provenance: some marginalia – effaced ownership inscription at top of first leaf – acquired from Lathrop C. Harper, Inc, New York, 3 February 1966.
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