Bidspirit auction | Mivchar HaPeninim by Solomon ibn

Mivchar HaPeninim by Solomon ibn Gabirol – Early Ashkenazic Manuscript with a Unique Commentary. Germany, late 16th century. - Presented here is a rare and important manuscript of Mivchar HaPeninim, one of the foundational works of Jewish ethical and wisdom literature, composed by the poet and philosopher Solomon ibn Gabirol. The manuscript was written in Ashkenaz (Germany) during the golden age of Hebrew printing, yet preserves an early manuscript text that differs significantly from the printed editions. The text is accompanied throughout by a concise commentary (“in highly abridged form”), appearing beneath each passage across the entire work. This abridgment of the printed commentary adds a further layer to the understanding of the aphorisms and teachings. Handwritten copies of Mivchar HaPeninim from the Ashkenazic lands of this period are exceedingly rare and constitute important testimony to the circulation and study of the work within the Jewish communities of Germany. The first printed edition of Mivchar HaPeninim appeared in Soncino in 1548. The present manuscript differs from the printed text through numerous variants and additions not found in print, both in the main composition and in the commentary. It would appear that its text preserves a more accurate recension than the printed editions. [86] pages. 21 cm. Condition: Very good. Written on thick, fine, high-quality paper. Impressive vellum binding. The final two leaves are bound out of order.