Nishmath Chaim [“The Breath of Life”: On the immortality of the soul]

Estimate: $400–$600
Hammer price: $300

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

author

MENASSEH BEN ISRAEL

printer

Samuel Soeiro (Author’s son)

Place

Amsterdam

Publication

1652

Description

FIRST EDITION. Hebrew title within architectural arch. Without Latin title and dedication, lacking portrait (as most all copies). Hebrew marginalia in many hands

references

Vinograd, Amsterdam 202; Mehlman 1211; Fuks, Amsterdam 190; Silva Rosa 59

summary

One of the anonymous glossarists takes issue several times over with the Lurianic kabbalistic belief that as punishment for various sins, human souls may be forced to transmigrate or reincarnate in animals or other life forms. (See the glosses on ff. 160 v., 161r., 162v., 168r., 172r.

ff.(8),174,(2). Tear to ff.66-7, portion of f.97 replaced in facsimile, f.98 scorched. Contemporary vellum, cracked. 4to

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