Tzemach David – Prague, 1592 – First Edition – Fine Original Leather Binding

Tzemach David – Prague, 1592 – First Edition – Fine Original Leather Binding
Tzemach David, Jewish and general chronicle, by R. David Ganz. Prague, 1592. First Edition.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part outlines the "early generations… prophets, Tanaim, Amoraim, Savoraim, Geonim and great rabbis until our times 1592…". The second part contains: "Things… which were done… of all the emperors who ruled from Julius Caesar the First… until the times of our master the exalted Emperor Rudolph…".
The first edition was printed in the lifetime of the author, R. David Ganz (1541-1613), who was a prominent scholar in his time in Torah and science, and a disciple of the Rema and the Maharal of Prague. At the end of Part I, he writes about the Torah leaders of his generation – his teacher the Maharal and R. Mordechai Yoffe, author of the Levush – in their lifetime. This book, which is in fact the first history book in Hebrew, was very popular, and was published in many editions, including one in Latin.
In the second part, fine crown ornaments were printed above the names of some of the Christian kings.
The endpapers contain ownership inscriptions. Two notes in early Ashkenazic script appear in the book.
Stamps on the title page and other leaves of: "Daniel son of R. A." – the famous and wealthy R. Daniel Yoffe (Itzig) of Berlin (1723-1799), head community leader of Berlin and all Prussian communities from 1764 until his passing in 1799. Known as a book and manuscript collector, he founded in his home a library and study hall for rabbis and scholars to come learn by him, and even supported them financially. R. Yosef Teumim, the Pri Megadim, composed most of his books in the house of R. Daniel Yoffe in Berlin, and he mentions and acknowledges him in the prefaces of his books.
64, [6], 124 leaves. 19 cm. Overall good condition. Darkened leaves. Stains. Tears and wear to several leaves. Fine, original ornamented leather binding, with damage.