Nachlath Avoth [commentary to Ethics of the Fathers, with text]

ABRABANEL, DON ISAAC.

David & Samuel ibn Nahmias

Constantinople

1505

First Edition. Initial text page with a poem by the author’s eldest son, Judah (Leone Ebreo) Abrabanel, enclosed by a metalcut border of animals designed by the Marrano, Alfonso Fernandezde Cordoba - the first border to be used in a Hebrew book.

Vinograd, Const. 12; Yaari, Const. 3; Mehlman 124 (lacking final leaf); not in Adams.

Nachlath Avoth [“The Inheritance of the Fathers”] contains Abrabanel’s testimony to the merit of the suffering endured due to the Expulsion from Spain. Abrabanel asserts that what gives meaning to Jewish tragedy is the moral heritage that has been guarded by generations of Jews and which, Abrabanel warns, is in jeopardy due to the rising materialistic tendencies post-Exile. The Nahmias Brothers, who printed this compendium were themselves exiles from Spain who established their press in 1505. It was the first printing-press beyond Europe’s borders. For a detailed biography of Abrabarnel’s experiences and philosophical conclusions regarding the Spanish Expulsion see B. Netanyahu, Don Isaac Abravanel, Statesman & Philosopher (1968).