Akeidath Yitzchak [philosophical and allegorical sermons to the Pentateuch]

AUCTION 42 | Thursday, December 18th, 2008 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Hebrew Printed Books, Manuscripts, Graphic & Ceremonial Art

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Lot 64
ARAMA, ISAAC

Akeidath Yitzchak [philosophical and allegorical sermons to the Pentateuch]

Third Edition. Title in red and black. Printer’s device on title (Yaari no.18) ff. 350. Ex-library. Title and final leaf repaired, stained, some leaves misound but complete, corredtions in a later Ashkenazic hand. Later calf-backed heavy wooden boards, rubbed. Folio Vinograd, Venice 506; not in Adams

Venice: Alvise Bragadin & Meir Parenzo 1565

Est: $500 - $700
PRICE REALIZED $500
Representative of an anti-Aristotelian trend directed chiefly against Maimonides and his followers, Arama’s philosophical influence is reflected primarily in the writings of Isaac Abarbanel. Affectionately known as the “Ba’al Akeida,” Arama has been consistently quoted and utilized, especially by Polish and Galician preachers until the present day. Numerous works interpreting Arama’s philosophy were issued through the centuries, of particular note is Israel Kitover’s Biurei Ha’midoth (1875). Arama’s great popularity stems from his stylistic combination of the Aschkenazic didactic and moralizing style with the philosophic tendency popular among Spanish and Provencal Jews. See I. Rivkind, Kiryat Sepher, vol. II p.60