1554 Typus Messiae et Christi Domini and 1554 Targum Koheleth by Petro Costo

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Scarce Latin and Hebrew work, printed as two works (separate pagination and signatures), the first part finding types of Jesus in the Old Testament, and the second being the first printed translation of an Aramaic paraphrasing of the book of Ecclesiastes (followed by a letter to the author from a rabbi).

At the time of listing, no copies are found on the market (using Vialibri).

Schilb offered a copy for $950 in 2019.

About the Work

The first part an exegesis. The second part a noted first printed edition of the "Targum of Qohelet" translated by Pierre Cousteau. Scholars trace this paraphrase from the period of the completion of the Babylonian Talmud (3rd to 6th century).

As Aramaic became more prevalent, translators would give translations/paraphrases from the original Hebrew, somewhat like sermons. The Targum Koheleth, here printed, is a translation to Latin, of an Aramaic paraphrase of the book of Ecclesiastes likely first written between the 3rd to 6th century.

Costus places the Vulgate Ecclesiastes next to the paraphrase, a column at the inner margin.

Following the translation, Costus includes a letter from a friend which speaks to their purpose in disseminating the book.

Bibliographic Details -

Worldcat, OCLC number 230576718, among others.

Universal Short Title Catalogue numbers 151666 and 151673.

Adams - C 2756 and 57

Pettegree, Walsby, and Wilkinson - 63514 and 5

Baudrier - X, 241

Physical Attributes -

Measures approx. 23.5 x 15.5 x 2.5 cm. Limp vellum binding. Title in manuscript on spine. Printed in Latin and Hebrew.

Printer's marks at both title pages.

Pages, first book - 143, (1)

Collation first book - A-S4

Pages, second book - 102, (2)

Collation second book - A-N4

Condition -

See pictures. A little cockling (waviness) to binding. Binding with some marks, edge wear etc. Spine with darkening. Top edge dusty. Inner hinges cracked. A little worming at gutter of hinge. Some toning and moisture intrusion marks throughout. Ex libris inscription at top of title page. Occasional thumb, dog-eared page, spot, page edge chip, candel ember mark, etc. throughout. Smashed insect mark bottom margin pages 30-31. Chip at gutter of 97/98. "1658" dated note on 105.

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