Hassagoth [“Critique” - philosophical polemic].

Auction 94 | Thursday, June 17th, 2021 at 11:00am

Rare & Excellent Hebrew Printed Books: From the Library of Arthur A. Marx

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Lot 12

ALASHKAR, MOSHE.

Hassagoth [“Critique” - philosophical polemic].

<<FIRST EDITION.>> Woodcut printer’s device on title. ff. 16. Lightly stained, marginal repaired wormhole. Modern calf-backed boards. Sm. 4to. Vinograd, Ferrara 46.

Ferrara: Abraham ibn Usque 1557

Est: $1,500 - $2,000

PRICE REALIZED $1,500

In 1556 the Kabbalist Shem Tov ibn Shem Tov had written in his Sepher Ha’Emunoth (see lot 413) a scathing critique of Maimonides' rationalist philosophy. Here in the Hassagoth, R. Moses Alaskhar vehemently rises to Maimonides' defense - as well as to that of Gersonides (RaLBa’G) - attacking ibn Shem Tov and accusing him of deliberately misquoting their philosophical views.