Sefer Shefa Tal

Hannoviyah [Hanau]: Hans Yakop Hena, 1612. First edition. Hardcover. vg- to vg+. Quarto. [9] 92 leaves. Rebound in modern dark brown leather boards, with gilt lettering, red label and raised bands on the spine. Title page illustrated with historiated woodblock lettering at the top, and encircled by text borders. Missing the final unnumbered initial leaf (containing approbations) and the final two leaves containing an index).

First edition of this compendium of Kabblistic topics, by Prague rabbi Shabtai Sheftel ben Akiva Horowitz (1565-1619). Illustrated throughout with a total of 15 prominent and intriguing Kabbalistic woodblock diagrams and charts in black, as well as some small tables. Among the specific subjects, the work provides commentary and analysis of the work of previous Kabbalists including "Iggeret ha-Te'amim" (Letter on the Accents) by 16th century rabbi Aaron Abraham ben Baruch Simeon ha-Levi, the writings of Rabbi Moses ben Jacob Cordovero (aka the RAMAK, 1522-1570), Sefer Yetzirah, and the Zohar.

Text throughout in Hebrew, printed in two and three-column formats, in multiple size fonts, and some of the text in Rashi script.

Binding with some light scratches to the covers. Title page with some staining, some small worm holes, reinforcement along the gutter, and most notably a repaired tear along the left margin, resulting in some loss of border text, and text on the verso. Repaired marginal tears also on the 2nd and 3rd unnumbered initial leaves (with no loss of text). The large diagram on the leaf 8 has been trimmed in the margin, resulting in minor loss of the image on the left side. Closed tear to leaf 18. Pages throughout with some age toning, occasion minor chipping to the edges, and some sporadic water stains and smudges. Binding in very good+, interior in very good- condition overall. Hebrew title: ספר שפה טל
Author: שבתי שפטל בן עקיבא הלוי הורוביץ
Publication: האנש יאקופ הענה
Alternate transliteration: Shabtai Sheftel ben Akiva ha-Levi Horowitz

Bibliographic References: Vinograd, p.162, Hanau 13; Steinschneider, col. 2241; Cowley 630;.