Nephutzoth Yehudah [sermons]

AUCTION 54 | Wednesday, March 21st, 2012 at 1:00

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

Back to Catalogue Download Catalogue

<Previous Lot

/351

Next Lot>

Lot 205

MOSCATO, JUDAH.

Nephutzoth Yehudah [sermons]

<<FIRST EDITION.>> Printer’s device (Yaari, Printer’s Marks 18) on title. ff. 14, 239. Previous owners’ signatures on title, stained and dampwrinkled. Later boards, loose and worn. Sm. 4to. Vinograd, Venice 735; Habermann, di Gara 109.

Venice: Asher Parenzo for Giovanni di Gara 1589

Est: $500 - $700

PRICE REALIZED $450

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 upon 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.