Jehuda Hallevi's Philosophy in Its Principles
Cincinnati: Hebrew Union College Press, 1908. First edition. Hardcover. Quarto. 91, [1]pp. Ex-library half cloth over paper covered boards with handwritten title on spine. The position of Judah ha-Levi in the domain of Jewish philosophy is parallel to that occupied in Islam by Ghazali, by whom he was influenced. Like Ghazali, Judah endeavored to liberate religion from the bondage of the various philosophical systems in which it had been held by his predecessors, Saadia, David ben Marwan al-Mekamez, Gabirol, and Bahya. In a work written in Arabic, and entitled Kitab al-Hujjah wal-Dalil fi Nusr al-Din al-Dhalil, (known in the Hebrew translation of Judah ibn Tibbon by the title Sefer ha-Kuzari), Judah ha-Levi expounded his views upon the teachings of Judaism, which he defended against the attacks of non-Jewish philosophers, against the Karaites, and against those he viewed as "heretics." Some rubbing, sunning and abrasion along edges of binding. Ex-library bookplate on inside of front cover. Library blind-stamped on title page, and library stamp on Preface page. Creasing along first four leafs. Binding in overall poor to fair, interior in fair to good condition. fair. Item #33568
Price: $65.00