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

AUCTION 43 | Thursday, April 02nd, 2009 at 1:00

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

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Lot 154

JEDAIAH BEDARSI

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

FIRST EDITION with the commentary. Title within woodcut architectural arch surrounded by armaments ff. 122,13. Previous owners' inscriptions on title, first leaf and front cover, slight worming repaired, stained, repair on upper left corners of first few leaves. Contemporary vellum, rubbed, within modern fitted box. 4to Vinograd, Ferrara 6; Mehlman 968; St. Cat. Bodl. 5670, 4 (ed. rara)

Ferrara: Samuel Ibn Ascara (Zarfati) 1551

Est: $2,000 - $3,000

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. The addendum Bakashat HaMemin is a poem in which every word begins with the letter "Mem"