Nephutzoth Yehudah [sermons]

AUCTION 48 | Thursday, May 27th, 2010 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Hebrew Printed Books, Manuscripts, Graphic & Ceremonial Art Featuring an Exceptional Collection of American Judaica

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Lot 183

MOSCATO, JUDAH

Nephutzoth Yehudah [sermons]

FIRST EDITION. Printer’s device (Yaari, Printer’s Marks 18) on title. ff. 14, 239. Tops of leaves cropped, affecting some headers, stained. Contemporary calf-backed boards. Sm. 4to Vinograd, Venice 735; Habermann, di Gara 109

Venice: Asher Parenzo for Giovanni di Gara 1589

Est: $300 - $500

PRICE REALIZED $550

Judah Moscato (c.1530-c.1593), Chief Rabbi of Mantua, established an entirely new school of homiletics. His purpose in preaching was not so much to educate, but rather to edify his audience - indeed it is known that his sermons were even attended by Gentiles. The fifty-two sermons recorded in the present work reflect the spirit of the Renaissance, and draw on the Author’s vast knowledge of rational and mystical thought. In later years, Moscato’s method would be emulated by Rabbis Azariah Figo and Leone Modena. See I. Bettan, Studies in Jewish Preaching (1939), pp. 192-226; S. Simonsohn, History of the Jews in the Duchy of Mantua (1977), pp. 721-2; EJ, Vol. XII, cols. 357-58.