Sefer HaRokeach – Fano, 1505 – First Edition – Signature of Rabbi "Natan bar Menachem"

Sefer HaRokeach, composed by Rabbi Elazar [of Worms] son of R. Yehudah. Fano: Gershom Soncino, Erev Pesach 1505. First edition.
A foremost halacha and ethics book. "Proofread with great precision by R. Yehuda Yaaleh of Pesaro". According to many bibliographers, this is the first Hebrew book to be printed with a title page.
R. Elazar of Worms (1145-1225) was the son and disciple of R. Yehuda son of R. Kalonymus of Mainz, and disciple of R. Yehuda HaChassid, author of Sefer Chassidim, who transmitted Kabbalistic secrets to him. He composed approximately thirty books, and is known for this book as the Rokeach.
Censor's deletions in several places.
An ownership inscription in early Ashkenazic script appears at the head of p. [34a]: "Just as I have merited to acquire it, so may I merit to complete it, so says Natan bar Menachem". This may be the signature of R. Natan bar Menachem Egra, a German Torah scholar who came to Italy in the time of the Maharam of Padua, serving in the rabbinate of Italian towns - Venice, Cremona and others. The Maharam of Padua exchanged Halachic correspondence with him, writing about him: "Surely he does not need my Talmudic interpretations". A responsum from him is published in Responsa Binyamin Zev.
[107] leaves. Originally: [109] leaves. Title page and index leaf missing (replaced with photocopies). 26.5 cm. Light-colored, high-quality paper. Fair condition. Stains, worming. Repaired damage and tears. New binding.
Provenance: Collection of Dr. Israel Mehlman.