Nishmath Chaim ["The Breath of Life": On the immortality of the soul].

Estimate: $400–$600
Hammer price: $350

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

author

MENASSEH BEN ISRAEL.

printer

Samuel Soeiro (AuthorŐs 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 several hands. Formerly in the collection of the late Prof. Abraham J. Karp.

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). For a complete copy of this work including the rare portrait of the author, see Kestenbaum Sale 57, lot 159.

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

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