Nechmad Vena’im [on astronomy, geography, as well as a rejection of astrology in Jewish tradition]

AUCTION 42 | Thursday, December 18th, 2008 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Hebrew Printed Books, Manuscripts, Graphic & Ceremonial Art

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Lot 136

GANS, DAVID

Nechmad Vena’im [on astronomy, geography, as well as a rejection of astrology in Jewish tradition]

FIRST EDITION. Title within architectural arch. Numerous astronomical diagrams. With introduction in Latin (often lacking) ff. 82, pp. 20. Ex-library. Title and first few leaves repaired, browned. Later boards. 4to Vinograd, Jessnitz 49

Jessnitz: Israel b. Abraham 1743

Est: $400 - $600

Latin introduction by Christian Hebenstreit, Professor of Hebrew in Leipzig, drawing attention to the keen influence the author received from the theories of the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, with whom Gans worked in Prague. Scientific cooperation between Jewish and non-Jewish savants was unique to the Rudolfine era. The MaHaRa”L himself (of whom Gans was a disciple) is said to have been invited to the Hradschin Palace to meet with Emperor Rudolph II. See A. Neher, Jewish Thought and the Scientific Revolution of the Sixteenth Century: David Gans (1541-1613) and His Times (1986), pp. 58-91 and pp. 6, 20, 24