Derekh ha-Hayyim (Commentary on Pirkei Avot), Judah Loew ben Bezalel (Maharal of Prague), Cracow: Isaac ben Aaron Prostitz, 1589

118 leaves (11 x 7 in.; 280 x 175 mm), includes the unnumbered errata leaf after f. 117. Title within woodcut architectural arch; printer’s device, f. 4v. Lightly browned and stained; title page with library inkstamps and numeration; ff. 3-4 remargined with tape repairs affecting some text; ff. 114 to end, light frass; final leaf, hole repaired affecting a few words. Modern half morocco.

Vinograd, Cracow 118.

FIRST EDITION

Notwithstanding its being one of the most profound analytical commentaries on Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), the text of Derekh ha-Hayyim nevertheless permits itself numerous exegetical digressions. These excursuses, in addition to a certain amount of repetition, may be attributed to the work being a compendium of sermons delivered by Loew over several years, during those times of year at which Pirkei Avot is regularly studied on Shabbat.