Barchi Nafshi – Venice, 1628

Barchi Nafshi – Venice, 1628
Barchi Nafshi, prayers, songs and piyyutim by Rabbenu Bachya and other authors, in Hebrew and Italian. Venice: Giovanni Caleoni for Bragadin, 1628.
The book comprises an Italian translation of three works: Barchi Nafshi by Rabbenu Bachya, Vidui for Yom Kippur by Rabbenu Nissim, and the Vidui for Mincha of Yom Kippur according to Italian rite. This is accompanied by a Hebrew adaptation of these compositions, which is in fact a Hebrew translation of the Italian translation, in rhymes. The translation was made by Yochanan Yehuda (Angelo) Alatrini, while the Hebrew adaptation was made by his grandson (publisher of the book) R. Natan Yedidya of Orvieto. Hebrew text and Italian translation on facing pages.
The book also includes three Italian sonnets by Alatrini, with Hebrew translation and comments by his grandson R. Natan Yedidya, and a poem composed by R. Natan Yedidya.
On the verso of the title page, poem in praise of the book by R. Yehuda Aryeh of Modena.
For a description of the book and a literary analysis, see: D. Pagis, The Invention of the Hebrew Iambus, in: Poetry Aptly Explained: Studies and Essays on Medieval Hebrew Poetry, Jerusalem 1993, pp. 236-257.
[1], 2-34, [2] leaves. Lacking leaf 1. 15 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Worming, tears and open tears, slightly affecting title page border and text on several leaves. Some detached leaves. Inscriptions. Original parchment binding, damaged.