Bidspirit auction | Rare 1874 Warsaw Printing of

Rare 1874 Warsaw Printing of Sefer Shviley Emunah (With Astronomical Planetary Diagrams) – Rabbi Meir ibn Aldabi - An intriguing and complex 14th-century encyclopedic treatise that seamlessly synthesizes Jewish theology, Kabbalistic philosophy, medical science, and medieval astronomy. Title: Sefer Shviley Emunah (ספר שבילי אמונה / The Paths of Faith). Author: Composed by the prominent physician, philosopher, and Kabbalist, Rabbi Meir ibn Aldabi (רבי מאיר אבן אלדבי זצ”ל; c. 1310–1360), a Toledo-born scholar who was the maternal grandson of the legendary Rosh (Rabbi Asher ben Yechiel). Content Structure: The work is divided into ten distinct paths (Netivot), addressing the creation of the world, human anatomy, embryology, health, and soul physiology, alongside deep theological discourses. Astronomical Diagrams: The final leaves contain iconic, circular woodcut graphic diagrams mapping the cycles of the planets, solar movements, and constellations (”ציורים” / גלגלי כוכבים ומזלות), showcasing medieval rabbinic scientific mastery. Publication Details: Printed in Warsaw (ווארשא) in the Hebrew year תרל”ד (1874) by the specialized press of N. D. Zisberg (Въ Типографіи Н. Д. Зысберга), located on Franciszkanska Street No. 9. The introductory pages feature parallel Russian imperial censorship markers dated July 1874. Bibliographic Wear: The flyleaves and title pages are covered in extensive, multi-generational ownership inscriptions, calculations, and cursive signatures in various inks, adding a deep layer of authentic internal provenance.