(“Hapenini”). Bechinath Olam [ethics]. With commentaries by Moses ibn Chabib and R. Joseph Frances; and addendum: Bakashath HaMemin.

JEDAIAH BEDARSI

Samuel ibn Ascara (Zarfati)

Ferrara

1551

FIRST EDITION with the commentary. Title within woodcut architectural arch surrounded by armaments.

Vinograd, Ferrara 6.

A profound poetic composition on the futility and vanity of the world and the inestimably greater benefits of intellectual and religious pursuits. The Author here finds consolation in Maimonides’ world of ideas, concluding that the greatest achievement for Man is to “perfect one’s understanding and immerse oneself in the grandeur of the idea of God. No power in the world can can break Man’s will when he strives toward this exalted goal.” The addendum, Bakashath HaMemin, is a poem in which every word begins with the letter “Mem”. * Manuscript tipped in at end: Aleph Alphin. Hundreds of phrases praising God each one beginning with the letter Aleph. Petite Italian rabbinic hand, pp. 3. Mantua, 1792.