Nishmath Chaim ["The Breath of Life": On the immortality of the soul].

Auction 98 | Thursday, June 16th, 2022 at 1:00pm

Fine Judaica: Rare Printed Books, Manuscripts, & Autograph Letters

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Lot 237

MENASSEH BEN ISRAEL.

Nishmath Chaim ["The Breath of Life": On the immortality of the soul].

<<FIRST EDITION.>> Hebrew title within architectural arch. Without Latin title and dedication, lacking portrait (as most all copies). Hebrew marginalia in several hands. Formerly in the collection of the late Prof. Abraham J. Karp. ff. (8), 174, (2). Dampstained, tear to ff. 66-7, portion of f. 97 replaced in facsimile, f. 98 scorched. Contemporary vellum, cracked and worn. 4to. Vinograd, Amsterdam 202; Mehlman 1211; Fuks, Amsterdam 190; Silva Rosa 59.

Amsterdam: Samuel Soeiro (AuthorŐs son) 1652

Est: $400 - $600

PRICE REALIZED $350

One of the anonymous glossarists takes issue several times over with the Lurianic kabbalistic belief that as punishment for various sins, human souls may be forced to transmigrate or reincarnate in animals or other life forms. (See the glosses on ff. 160 v., 161r., 162v., 168r., 172r). For a complete copy of this work including the rare portrait of the author, see Kestenbaum Sale 57, lot 159.