Auction 43 · Lot 154

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

Estimate: $2,000–$3,000
Hammer price: Not recorded

Historical auction record. Hammer prices exclude buyer’s premium and taxes.

author

JEDAIAH BEDARSI

printer

Samuel Ibn Ascara (Zarfati)

Place

Ferrara

Publication

1551

Description

FIRST EDITION with the commentary. Title within woodcut architectural arch surrounded by armaments

references

Vinograd, Ferrara 6; Mehlman 968; St. Cat. Bodl. 5670, 4 (ed. rara)

summary

A profound poetic composition on the futility and vanity of the world and the inestimably greater benefits of intellectual and religious pursuits. The author finds consolation in Maimonides’ world of ideas, concluding that the greatest achievement for Man is to “perfect one’s understanding and immerse oneself in the grandeur of the idea of God. No power in the world can can break Man’s will when he strives toward this exalted goal.” For an extensive critical analysis of Jedaiah Hapenini’s poetic style, see I. Zinberg, Vol. III, pp. 96-8. The addendum Bakashat HaMemin is a poem in which every word begins with the letter "Mem"

ff. 122,13. Previous owners' inscriptions on title, first leaf and front cover, slight worming repaired, stained, repair on upper left corners of first few leaves. Contemporary vellum, rubbed, within modern fitted box. 4to

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