Beschreibung:

Illuminated manuscript version of Browning's "Rabbi Ben Ezra".
London, 1911. Illuminated manuscript on eleven vellum leaves (17 numbered pages, 3 unnumbered pages, colophon page), written in black with page numbers in gold, title in gold, blue, and red with miniature portrait of Rabbi Ben Ezra, 3 large illuminated initials and extensive border work to opening page, all by Alberto Sangorski. Original turquoise morocco by Riviere & Son, covers with elaborately tooled and ruled borders in gilt, spine gilt in compartments with decoration and lettering, gilt turn-ins, cream moiré silk endpapers and doublures, g.e., original Riviere black morocco case with hinged panels opening to reveal an interior lined with green felt and moiré silk. Provenance : "This manuscript … was written out and illuminated by Alberto Sangorski and bound by hand Messrs. Riviere and Son, London, MCMXI and will not be duplicated [signed] Alberto Sangorski" (colophon). “grow old with me! the best is yet to be...” a beautiful version of browning’s classic historical poem : the spectacular calligraphy is here matched by the finishing on the binding, all is of the highest quality. The poem is a free interpretation of ideas suggested to the poet by what was known of Abraham ibn Ezra's life and works. Abraham ben Meir ibn Ezra [aka Rabbi Ben Ezra] was born in Tudela, Saragossa in 1092/3 and died in Calahorra in 1167. A true polymath, he was one of the greatest poets, mathematicians and scholars from the Golden Age of Spanish Judaisim.