List of books in the library of Rabbi Shmuel Dovid Luzzatto – Shadal. In his hand and with his signature. C. 1840.
[8] pages, four folded leaves, 13.5×22 cm. Thin, quality, light-blue paper.
Hebrew list of about 350 Hebrew books in the library of Rabbi Shmuel Dovid Luzzatto Shadal signed his noted initialed signature: S.D.L. The signature appears a number of times in the margins. It is not clear why he signed on specific books. There is no other known source for this list.
Shadal was the head of the Rabbinical College of Padua. The library included a rich, impressive selection of talmudical literature, rare halachic works, philosophy, Jewish poetry and kabalistic works [Nagid U’Mitzvah, Medrash Kohelet V’Sodot Hatefila V’HaMitzvot, Peirush Saba D’Mishpatim]. The list includes a few books of homiletics, but no chassidic literature, he apparently wasn’t interested in the subject.
Note that ‘maskilim’ often employ him and his writings to support their viewpoints – apparently unjustly! His library did not include any books of haskala or other works espousing heretical perspectives.
Light tears to the blank margins. Very fine condition.