Atereth Zekenim ["Crown of the Elders": philosophy]. Appended short essay by Abrabanel: "Tzuroth HaYesodoth” [medieval science]

Estimate

$2,000–$2,500

Hammer price

$2,600

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

author

ABRABANEL, ISAAC.

printer

Tobias Foa

Place

Sabbioneta

Publication

1557

Description

FIRST EDITION. Title within wreathed architectural columns with warriors standing at base; on f. 40v. printer’s device (Yaari, Hebrew Printers' Marks pp. 20-1). Few words censored.

references

Vinograd, Sabbioneta 44.

summary

The departure point for this slim tract is the passage in Exodus 24:9-11 which treats of the mystical vision of the Seventy Elders of Israel. Maimonides contends - as did the Midrash - that the apprehension of these Elders was improper, and that they eventually received their just punishment at Taberah (see Guide of the Perplexed I, 5). Don Isaac Abrabanel takes umbrage, writing this tract in defense of the Elders - hence the title "Crown of the Elders." See discussions in M. Kellner, Science in the Bet Midrash: Studies in Maimonides (2009), pp. 202-3; 313, n. 82; S. Regev, "The Vision of the Nobles of Israel in the Jewish Philosophy of the Middle Ages," Jerusalem Studies in Jewish Thought 4 (1984-85) pp. 281-302.

ff.40, (4). Bound in Valmadonna-custom mahogany blind-tooled calf, spine in compartments and titled in gilt. Sm. 4to.

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