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

AUCTION 51 | Thursday, June 23rd, 2011 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts Graphic & Ceremonial Art Including: The Alfonso Cassuto Collection of Iberian Books, Part II

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Lot 260

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 the title. These rare two leaves lacking from many copies ff. (14), (2), 174. Previous owners' marks, slight marginal repair on lower left corner of title, some staining, censors' signatures on verso of final leaf. Old boards, needs rebinding. Folio Vinograd, Sabbionetta 8; Haberman, Adel-kind 113; not in Adams

Sabbionetta: Cornilio Adel-kind for Tobias Foa 1553

Est: $2,500 - $3,000

The Guide to the Perplexed, the final work by Maimonides, was completed in 1185 or 1190. It 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 obviouly far 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’s 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