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

JEDAIAH BEDARSI.

Samuel Ibn Ascara (Zarfati)

Ferrara

1551

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

Vinograd, Ferrara 6; Mehlman 968.

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”.