Derech HaChaim on Masechet Avot by The MaHaral of Prague. Cracow 1589

Derech HaChaim on Masechet Avot by The MaHaral of Prague. Cracow 1589

 First Edition Printed During Author’s Lifetime. Sefer Yesod.

Fundamental commentary on Masechet Avot, authored by the MaHaral of Prague. The book’s page layout comprises the Derech HaChaim commentary alongside Rashi’s commentary.

The book encapsulates contemplations, ethics and drush explanations arranged in the order of the tractate. This is the MaHaral’s only book that works through an entire tractate in order as opposed to focusing on selected sections.

Additionally, this is the only composition of the MaHaral that comprises his own explanations. In contrast, the MaHaral’s writings are usually critique on other commentaries.

On the title page appears an ancient, handwritten inscription penned in a foreign (non-Hebrew) language.

On the endpaper appears an ancient handwritten inscription: “I have seen my peers who purchase book, without funds to do so, with only their five fingers, therefore I am writing my name to serve my Creator…Bar Yehoshua Tzoref…Day 22 of Iyar, Year 5484 since creation.”

The MaHaral states in his introduction, the book’s title, Derech Chaim, is based on a verse in Mishlei: “…VeDerech Chaim Tochechot Mussar”. Despite this, the first edition’s title page lists the title as “Derech HaChaim.” It is uncertain whether this difference was the MaHaral or the publisher’s decision. The London edition refers to the title as Derech Chaim. The MaHaral refers to this book in his other works sometimes as Derech Chaim and others as Derech HaChaim.

Cracow, 1589. Yitzchak of Prostitz Press. First edition printed during the author’s lifetime. Sefer Yesod.

117, [1] leaves. This copy has 115 leaves. The final 3 leaves are missing. 30 cm. Good condition. Slight worming. Beautiful, new binding.

Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod 40.

Vinograd, Cracow 118.