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Judaica and Hasidic Books and Manuscripts

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Rare 1874 Warsaw Printing of Sefer Shviley Emunah (With Astronomical Planetary Diagrams) – Rabbi Meir ibn Aldabi

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Start price: £100

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Description

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.

Condition report:

Status: Heavily Used Antique Survival / Poor-to-Fair Condition (Requiring Professional Restoration).


Binding: The original 19th-century paper boards show severe external wear, deep leather loss to the corners, and heavy scuffing. The spine is completely split and broken open down the middle, exposing the inner structural stitching. The text block is fragile and unstable, split into sections.

Interior & Margins: The pages are textually complete, though several leaves are loose from the primary binding matrix. The inner paper displays a natural dark cream patina with soft uniform age-toning, localized edge-fraying, and light historic moisture stains. The terminal astronomical diagram page shows historical pinhole worming and soft peripheral chipping, but all circular geometric illustrations remain clear and fully intact.