The Bomberg Talmud
The Bomberg Talmud: Daniel Bomberg, who was almost certainly the most important gentile printer of Hebrew books of all time. Born in Antwerp in the year 1480, rich and educated, Bomberg left Antwerp and moved to Venice. In 1515, he applied to the Venice Senate for permission to establish a printing house and to print Hebrew books. He was wealthy, influential, and a Christian, and this surely assisted in permission being granted. From 1516, Bomberg systematically issued the basic texts of Judaism in unequaled typographical excellence, as well as superior in & paper. Nearly five hundred years later, the products of his press have survived in outstanding condition. Bomberg's first sefer was Mkra'os Gedolos , printed over the years 1516-1517, which was the first of its kind ever to appear. Bomberg's greatest achievement was the printing of the entire Babylonian Talmud, which he accomplished between 1520 and 1523 - the first complete edition ever printed. (i