Bechinat Olam with Bakashat HaMemin – Ferrara, 1551

Bechinat Olam, ethical and philosophical poetry, by R. Yedaiah (HaPenini) ben Avraham Bedersi. Ferrara: Shmuel ibn Ascara HaTzarfati, [1551]. First edition with the commentaries of R. Moshe ibn Habib, and with a commentary to Bakashat HaMemin by R. Yosef Frances.
Signatures on the title page: "Belongs to me the young… Azubib"; "Nehorai Azubib" (prominent rabbi in Algiers, died 1785).
The book is comprised of ethical lessons in poetic format regarding this world and the world to come. Bakashat HaMemin is a poetic prayer with all words beginning with the letter Mem.
R. Yedaiah HaPenini Bedersi (ca. 1270-1340) was a poet, doctor and philosopher from Béziers in Provence, France. He considered himself a disciple of the Rambam and he wrote enthusiastically in his favor during the great debate regarding the study of philosophy. (His responsa were published in the Rashba's responsa, chapter 418).
122, 13 leaves. 18.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Worming in several places. Restored title page with slight damage. Restoration of worming and small tears on other pages. Elegant leather binding, new.