(“Hapenini”). Bechinath Olam [ethics]. With commentaries by Moses ibn Chabib and R. Joseph Frances

AUCTION 11 | Tuesday, November 28th, 2000 at 1:00

Important Hebrew Printed Books and Manuscripts From the Library of the London Beth Din

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Lot 71

JEDAIAH BEDARSI

(“Hapenini”). Bechinath Olam [ethics]. With commentaries by Moses ibn Chabib and R. Joseph Frances

FIRST EDITION with the commentary. Title within woodcut architectural arch surrounded by armaments ff. 122,13. Lightly browned and stained in places, title page laid down affecting a few words. Later vellum, worn. 4to Vinograd, Ferrara 6; Mehlman 968; not in Adams

Ferrara: Samuel Gallus (Zarfati) 1552

Est: $1,500 - $2,500

PRICE REALIZED $1,900

A profound poetic composition on the futility and vanity of the World and the inestimably greater benefits of intellectual and religious pursuits. The author finds consolation in Maimonides’ world of ideas, concluding that the greatest achievement for Man is to “perfect one’s understanding and immerse oneself in the grandeur of the idea of God. No power in the World can can break Man’s will when he strives toward this exalted goal.” For an extensive critical analysis of Jedaiah Hapenini’s poetic style, see I. Zinberg, Vol. III, pp. 96-8