(ReM”A). Torath Ha’Olah [philosophy]

ISSERLES, MOSES.

Mordechai Ka”tz

Prague

1569

FIRST EDITION. Hisoriated title border containing printer’s mark on title, consisting of lions and hands conveying the Priestly Benediction (see Ya’ari, Hebrew Printers’ Marks, p. 24, pl. 3; p. 137), lower portion of frame with bearded face accompanied by two cherubs. Woodcut of Temple (reproduction of device of Venetian printer Marc Antonio Giustiniani) on ff. 33v. and 69r. On ff. 34v. and 70r. chapter headings historiated. Title with owner’s signature. Scholarly marginalia. A wide-margined copy, with the rare FINAL LEAF OF POETRY in praise of the author, lacking from most copies.

Vinograd, Prague 36; St. Cat. Bodl. col. 6483, 22.

FIRST EDITION OF R. MOSES ISSERLES’ FUNDAMENTAL CLASSIC OF JEWISH THOUGHT. A native of Cracow (c. 1525-1572), the author demonstrates in this work his mastery of rationalist, particularly Maimonidean philosophy. This rationalist bent aroused the ire of his contemporaries such as R. Solomon Luria (Maharsha”l) and R. Judah Löw (Mahara”l). R. Moses Isserles is most celebrated for his lasting contributions to Jewish law: “Darchei Moshe” to Joseph Karo’s Beith Yoseph, and the Glosses to Karo’s Shulchan Aruch. See M.J. Heller, The Sixteenth Century Hebrew Book, pp. 612-3. After the death of the Prague printer Gershom Katz in 1544, direction of his press was assumed by his son Mordechai and brothers. In 1569, Mordechai soon began to print independently of his brothers, assisted by his sons. Torath Ha’Olah was the first issue of their press.