RaMBa”M). Moreh Nevuchim [“Guide to the Perplexed”]

AUCTION 44 | Thursday, June 25th, 2009 at 1:00

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

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Lot 205

MOSES BEN MAIMON (MAIMONIDES /.

RaMBa”M). Moreh Nevuchim [“Guide to the Perplexed”]

Third edition. With commentaries by Shem-Tov, Ephodi and ibn Crescas. Title within historiated border. Printer’s device on title (cf. Yaari no. 20). * With: Provencal, Moses. Biur Inyan Shenei Kavim [dissertation on the Theorem of Apollonius] following f. 71 (lacking from most copies), here supplied from another copy ff. (14),71, (2),72-174. Outer margin of title taped, some staining, Theorem leaves remargined, inscriptions of previous owner on title. Recent morocco. Folio Vinograd, Sabbionetta 8; Haberman, Adel-kind 113; not in Adams

Sabbionetta: Cornelio Adel-kind for Tobias Foa 1553

Est: $1,500 - $2,000

PRICE REALIZED $2,400

The Guide to the Perplexed, the final work of Moses Maimonides (1135-1204), had a troubled history, sparking centuries of Maimonidean controversies. Heavily influenced as it was by Greek - specifically Aristotelian philosophy, the work was thought by some to conflict with Judaic tradition. Tragically, and for different motivations, it was publicly burned by the Dominicans in Paris in 1232. It is said that R. Jonah Gerondi, one of those who agitated for the destruction of the text, later journeyed to Maimonides’ tomb in Eretz Israel to beg forgiveness. See: C. Roth, Jews in the Renaissance (1959), pp. 28-29, 236, 266; D. J. Silver, Maimonidean Criticism and the Maimonidean Controversy 1180-1240; and EJ, Vol. III, cols. 229-31