Sefer HaTapuach and Sefer Mashal HaKadmoni. Frankfurt an der Oder, 1800. Numerous Illustrations.

Sefer HaTapuach and Sefer Mashal HaKadmoni. Frankfurt an der Oder, 1800. Numerous Illustrations.

Sefer HaTapuach by Asher LeAristo and Sefer Mashal HaKadmoni by Rabbi Yitzchak Ibn Sahula.

The book, Mashal HaKadmoni, features over 70 woodcut illustrations, that illuminate the parables and anecdotes in this composition. It is the first printed Hebrew book with illustrations.

A shared title page for both books, as well as a separate title page for Mashal HaKadmoni.

Rabbi Yitzchak son of Shlomo Ibn Seluha was a philosopher, physician and Kabbalist. As per his preface to his book, Rabbi Yitzchak was born in Spain in 1244 and passed away in 1283, (although some claim in 1300).

Rabbi Yitzchak spent some of his life in Castile and was a disciple of Moshe son of Shlomo of Burgos. He was the older brother of Rabbi Meir Ibn Seluha, a disciple of the Rashba.

Rabbi Yitzchak authored three compositions. One of them, Mashal HaKadmoni, is a book on ethics, written in 1281 and first published in 1491 in Brisha, Italy. In this book, Ibn Sehula details his repentance process at age 37, following deep introspection.

The book is written in the form of entertaining, rhyming stories, with five separate sections: Wisdom, Repentance, Sage Advice, Humility and Fear of G-d. The book is written in the form of a dialogue between Ibn Sehula and the Contradictor, who attempts to challenge his repentance / improvement.

This is the first Hebrew book to include illustrations, (Ze’ev Gris, HaSefer HaIvri – Perakim LeToldotav, p. 50).

72,81-84, 65-68, 91-100 leaves. Disordered pagination.

Very good condition. Thick, good quality paper. Half-leather, renewed, beautiful binding.

Otzar Hasefer Computerized Database, No. 56959 / 58952.

Unique and rare book, with fantastic illustrations in exceptional condition.