(MaHaRa’L of Prague). Derech Chaim [commentary to Ethics of the Fathers, with text]

LOEWE, JUDAH BEN BEZALEL.

Isaac Prostitz

Cracow

1588

FIRST EDITION. Title within woodcut architectural arch

Vinograd, Cracow 118; Mehlman 130; not in Adams

Previous owners signatures include that of Isaque b. Abrao Mocatta, of the Marrano family of financiers, who later settled in England. Of particular interest is the signature, in a neat Rabbinic script of “Hakatan Tzvi Hirsch S”T.” The abreviation S”T, “Sephardi Tahor” was appended by both Rabbi Tzvi Aschkenazi, the Chacham Tzvi and his son, Jacob Emden. Despite the fact they were of Aschkenazic origin, The Chacham Tzvi studied in Constantinople for over ten years, resulting in his affinity for the S”T honorific. The verso of the title contains a written inscription “aus Zevi Amsterdam” a city the Chacham Tzvi officiated as Rabbi. It is therefore possible to speculate that Tzvi Hirsch Berlin inherited this book from his Great-uncle and name sake, the Chacham Tzvi of Amsterdam