Halachot Gedolot. Venice, [1548]. First Edition

Halachot Gedolot. Venice, [1548]. First Edition
Halachot Gedolot. Laws arranged according to the Talmud by a rabbi from the geonic period. Published by Rabbi Yehuda Halevi, Venice, [1548]. First edition.
[4], 144 leaves (Mispaginated). 32 cm. A number of scholarly glosses in an unidentified hand, and a few erasures of words such as 'meshumed' and 'nachri'.
Publisher's prologue on the title page verso with quotes from early commentators about this book and its author. Author's 'introduction' at the beginning, beginning with maxims of Chazal praising Torah study and followed by a listing of the 613 commandments (according to the author). The early commentators, who often mentioned the halachic rulings in this book, had different opinions about its authorship. It is generally accepted that it was written by Rabbi Shimon Kayyara (Persia, 9th century), though Rabbi Moshe of Coucy, author of Sefer Mitzvos HaGadol, believes that it was authored by Rav Yehudai Gaon, and there are those that claim that this refers to Rabbi Yehudai HaKohen Gaon of Sura (8th century).
Original, magnificent leather binding with geometric designs. Metal clasps in working order. Quality paper. Minimal worming holes and aging stains. Wide margins. Professional restoration to the margins of a number of leaves. Fine-very fine condition.