Shem HaGedolim by the Chida - First Edition

Shem HaGedolim by the Chida - First Edition
Shem HaGedolim, dictionary of Jewish Torah scholars and their books, by R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai. Livorno, 1774. First edition.
The composition Chasdei Avot, novellae on Tractate Avot by the Chida is printed at the end of the book.
Handwritten self-dedication on title page: "Received as a gift from the author". Handwritten [Rashi Sephardi script] gloss, on p. 33a, completing several words omitted in printing.
R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai - the Chida (1724-1806), illustrious posek, Kabbalist, outstanding Torah prodigy and prolific writer. Besides his immense Torah stature, he devotedly undertook the position of emissary on behalf of the Hebron and Jerusalem communities. Twice during his lifetime, he traveled to Europe. On his second journey, he reached Livorno in the month of Iyar 1774. Adhering to the law enforced in those days to prevent epidemics, he was detained for 40 days prior to entering the city. The Chida took advantage of that time to write this composition, despite the fact that he had no books with him and could only rely on his phenomenal memory and proficiency. In his diary Ma'agal Tov (p. 66), the Chida writes: "While I was detained in confinement, I began and finished Shem HaGedolim". Soon after, at the end of that year, he printed the book. Later, the Chida printed another three parts to this book. The edition we know today is composed of all four parts.
131, [1] leaves. 13 cm. Good condition. Stains. Gilt edges. Tears to title page corners, restored with paper replacement. Slightly damaged parchment binding.