RaMBa”M). Moreh Nevuchim [“Guide of the Perplexed.”] Translated from Arabic into Hebrew by Samuel ben Judah ibn Tibon. With commentaries of Shem Tov and Ephodi.

MOSES BEN MAIMON (MAIMONIDES /

Alvise Bragadin-Meir Parenzo

Venice

1551

Second edition. On title, printer's mark of three crowns (Yaari 18). First word of ibn Tibbon's Introduction (f.1r) within elaborate engraved surround.

Vinograd, Venice 421.

A complete copy of the rare second edition (the first edition appeared in Rome c. 1474). The final work of Maimonides (1135-1204), The Guide for the Perplexed was completed c. 1185 and is the main source of the Rambam’s philosophical views. He originally wrote it in Judeo-Arabic, it was first translated into Hebrew in 1204 by a contemporary of Maimonides in Southern France, Samuel ben Judah ibn Tibbon. Due to its Aristotelian leanings, the work had a history fraught with controversy, both within and beyond the Jewish community. Tragically - and obviously due to other motivations - it was publicly burned by the Dominicans in Paris, 1232. It is said that R. Jonah Gerondi, one of those who agitated for the banning of Moreh Nevuchim, later journeyed to Maimonides’ tomb in Eretz Israel to beg the deceased author for forgiveness. Today the Guide for the Perplexed is undoubtedly the most celebrated philosophical text in all of Jewish literature - and by far the most influential.