Foundation of Jewish Faith: Moreh Nevuchim by the Rambam
Sabbioneta, 1553
Including the Rare Geometry Pages
The monumental work of Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon – ‘Moreh Nevuchim’ (Guide for the Perplexed) – which delves into the core tenets of faith and religion, stands as the foundational and foremost sefer among all the works of authentic Jewish philosophy and thought.
In ‘Moreh Nevuchim’, the Rambam presents intellectual proofs for the existence of the Creator, evidence for the world’s creation, refutations of attributing form and physicality to the Creator, and he extensively explains the foundations of prophecy, Ma’aseh Bereishis and Ma’aseh Merkavah, as well as the reasons behind the mitzvos.
‘Moreh Nevuchim’ is among the earliest Hebrew sefarim ever printed. Due to its importance, it was first published in Rome circa 1469–1474, and was printed on its own without any commentaries.
This edition marks the first appearance of the commentary by Rabbi Asher Crescas, one of the sages of Provence in the 15th century, which was subsequently included in many later editions.
The present edition also includes the commentaries that appeared in the previous edition of Venice 1551: the commentary of Rabbi Shem Tov ben Yosef, the commentary Efodi by Rabbi Yitzchak Duran, the General Principles of the Chapters of the Moreh by Rabbi Yehuda Alcharizi, and a glossary of difficult words by the translator Rabbi Shmuel ibn Tibbon—printed here from a manuscript variant different from that of the 1551 Venice edition.
Bound immediately after the title page are two rare leaves composed by the Gaon Rabbi Moshe Provenzalo, Av Beis Din of Mantua and friend of the Beis Yosef. These leaves address the subject of “the two lines” discussed in ‘Moreh Nevuchim’ (leaf 64b) and include 18 geometric diagrams.
These leaves were printed separately as a pamphlet with their own page numbering and appear only in some copies. They were never printed in any edition other than this one.
A significant, early, and beautiful edition of Moreh Nevuchim, with a major commentary appearing here for the first time, and with the two rare leaves absent from most other copies.
Sabbioneta, 1553. This is the third edition of the sefer, and the first edition of the Crescas commentary. The title page features the emblem of the printer Tuviah Foa. A magnificent, floral title page.
Page Count: [16], 174 leaves.
Size: 29.2 cm.
Condition: Overall good condition, stains on several leaves, minor tears on the title page and a few additional leaves. The final leaf is reinforced with backing.
Bound in an impressive parchment binding, circa 17th century.
Bibliography: Stefansky Sifrei Yesod, no. 494 (in the notes).
