Bidspirit auction | Sefer HaTapuach Asher LeAristotle, together

Sefer HaTapuach Asher LeAristotle, together with Mashal HaKadmoni by Isaac ibn Sahula. Frankfurt an der Oder, [1693] - Sefer HaTapuach Asher LeAristotle, together with Mashal HaKadmoni by Isaac ibn Sahula. Frankfurt an der Oder, 1693. Rare illustrated edition with dozens of original woodcuts. Contemporary vellum binding. Fine and important edition comprising two sought-after and foundational works, bound together as issued, each with its own separate title page. Sefer HaTapuach Asher LeAristotle – one of the well-known works of early wisdom literature, traditionally attributed to Aristotle. The work discusses the nature of the soul, wisdom, proper conduct, the order of Creation, and the mysteries of nature. It was esteemed among students of philosophy, ethics, and Kabbalah in earlier generations, and its early Hebrew editions were especially sought after. Mashal HaKadmoni by Isaac ibn Sahula – one of the most splendid Hebrew literary creations of the Middle Ages, composed in Spain in the thirteenth century. A work of ethics and wisdom structured through fables, tales, and debates between animals and men, written in elevated poetic prose, and regarded as one of the masterpieces of Hebrew allegorical literature. The great distinction of this edition lies in its abundance of illustrations: printed here are more than seventy original woodcuts, vividly depicting the fables, figures, and narratives of the book. These woodcuts are detailed, lively, and highly appealing, faithfully reflecting the spirit of the age and the world of seventeenth-century Jewish-European printing. Illustrated editions of this work are particularly prized by collectors. In addition, the volume contains fascinating scientific and cosmographical diagrams, including: Form of the earth and its boundaries Form of the firmament and its revolving spheres The zodiacal constellations The celestial spheres Form of the sun Form of the moon A rare combination of Hebrew ethical literature, ancient wisdom, early Jewish illustration, and cosmographical science in one small yet impressive volume. [6], ff. א–מ”א, נ–נ”ז, מ”ב–מ”ט, נ”ח–קכ”א (should read קכ”ג). Total of 129 leaves, printed out of sequence. 15 cm. Condition: Good to very good. Age stains. Minor worm tunnel. Binding: Contemporary original vellum binding.