(ReM”A). Torath Ha’Olah [Philosophy]

ISSERLES, MOSES.

Mordechai Ka”tz

Prague

1569

FIRST EDITION. On title, printer's mark, consisting of lions and the hands conveying the Priestly Benediction (symbolic of the printer’s priestly lineage). See Ya'ari, Hebrew Printers' Marks (1971), p. 24, pl. 3; p. 137. Lower portion of the 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 (NOT SEEN OR NOTED BY VINOGRAD) AND MISSING IN MOST ALL COPIES)

Vinograd, Prague 36; St. Cat. Bodl. col. 6483, 22; Heller, The Sixteenth Century Hebrew Book, pp. 612-3

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 EJ, Vol. IX, cols. 1081-85 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 only by his sons. Torath Ha’Olah was the first issue of their press. See Ya'ari, Hebrew Printers' Marks (1971), p. 137