(“Hapenini”). Bechinath Olam [ethics]. With commentaries by Moses ibn Chabib and R. Joseph Frances

JEDAIAH BEDARSI

Samuel Gallus (Zarfati)

Ferrara

1552

FIRST EDITION with the commentary. Title within woodcut architectural arch surrounded by armaments. THE SOLMON HIRSCHELL COPY, inscribed by him on title

Vinograd, Ferrara 6; Mehlman 968; not in Adams

A profound poetic composition on the futility and vanity of the World and the inestimably greater benefits of intellectual and religious pursuits. For an extensive critical analysis of Jedaiah Hapenini’s poetic style, see I. Zinberg, Vol. III, pp. 96-8. For a critical examination of his poetic and philosophical works, see J. Chotzner, in JQR vol. VIII (1896) pp.414-25. This copy received by Rabbi Solomon Hirschell as a gift from R. Reuben Zelig of Hamberg on Erev Rosh Chodesh Adar I, 1815. Chief Rabbi Hirschell seemed to have a fondness for the work. Indeed, the London 1806 edition was inscribed to him by the editor R. T. Goodman