Ben HaMelech VehaNazir – Constantinople, 1518 – First Edition

Ben HaMelech VehaNazir – Constantinople, 1518 – First Edition

Ben HaMelech VehaNazir, parables and ethics in literary form, by R. Avraham HaLevi ibn Chasdai. Constantinople: [brothers David and Shmuel ibn Nachmias], 1518. First edition.

Decorated woodcut title frame. At beginning of book, introduction by R. Avraham HaLevi ibn Chasdai.

The main part of the book, which is composed of thirty-five chapters, is a dialogue between the prince of India and a hermit who teaches him important life lessons and advice for proper conduct in various situations, with the help of parables, aphorisms, stories and poems.

This work originates in an ancient Indian legend, which spread to various cultures and was also adapted into a Christian version. The Christian version of the work in Greek was translated to other languages, including Arabic (the book is known variously as Barlaam and Josaphat, or Kitab Ibn al-Malik wal-Nasik). Ibn Chasdai translated the Arabic version into Hebrew, while making many substantial changes to the book's form, wording and style, and naturally also to the content and message.

Colophon on last leaf: "The work was completed… 2nd Nisan, [1518], Constantinople…".

[56] leaves. 18.5 cm. Varying condition of leaves, fair to fair-good. Many stains, including dark stains and wax stains to several leaves. Tears, including open tears affecting text, partially repaired with paper. Handwritten inscriptions on title page. Early leather binding, decorated, worn and damaged (repaired spine).

Provenance: Sotheby's, Delmonico Collection, New York, December 2008, Lot 82.