Tehillah Le’David [philosophy]
AUCTION 66 |
Thursday, November 19th,
2015 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, Ceremonial Objects and Graphic Art
Lot 147
LEON, MESSER DAVID BEN JUDAH
Tehillah Le’David [philosophy]
Constantinople: Joseph Javetz 1576
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
David Messer Leon (c. 1470-1526) rabbinically ordained aged eighteen, was a devoted Kabbalist, as well as admirer of Maimonides. He boasted a comprehensive knowledge of general culture - particularly philosophy and an affection for poetry and music. Much of his writings remains unpublished.
Tehillah Le’David, which was published by the author’s grandson, comprises three parts: The first deals with the prominence of the Law, the second with the elements of faith - which the author regards as superior to speculative reasoning and the third part focuses upon the principles of the Divine Attributes, Providence and Free Will.
See I. Zinberg, A History of Jewish Literature, Vol. IV, Italian Jewry in the Renaissance Era, (1974) pp. 91-8 and EJ, Vol. 11, cols. 27-28.