SAMSON BEN ISAAC OF CHINON
Sepher Kerithoth [Talmudic methodology]

Sepher Kerithoth [Talmudic methodology]
Second edition. Title within four-piece historiated border. ff. 73. Touch stained, previous owner’s marks on title, signed by censors at end. Modern maroon crushed morocco, elaborately gilt-tooled. Sm. 4to. Vinograd, Cremona 21.

Vincenzo Conti, Cremona: 1558.

Although last of the French Tosafists, Samson of Chinon was the first Tosafist to write on Talmudic methodology. Sepher Kerithoth is an all-comprehensive work divided into five parts. The initial four parts deal with the hermeneutic rules which are the basis of Tannaitic Halachic derivation, while the fifth part is devoted to the deduction of new rules applied by the Talmudists in their interpretation of the Bible and to an extensive elucidation upon the methods and terminology of both parts of the Talmud. “This portal throws light upon many a knotty passage in the Talmud by clarifying the peculiar expressions and likewise helps to understand the complicated Talmudic discussions by supplying the key to their methods.” See M. Waxman, Vol. II, pp.191-2.