Tzror HaChaim – "De Termino Vitae" [On the End of Life], by Menasseh Ben Israel. Amsterdam: printed by the author, 1639. First edition. Latin, with some Hebrew.
Fine early parchment binding, with gilt decorations.
The book discusses whether death is a result of natural causes or predetermined by G-d, in response to the Epistolica Quaestio de Vitae Termino by Dutch scholar Johan van Beverwijck. Based on Jewish sources, Menasseh Ben Israel argues that death is not divinely predetermined, but rather depends on natural causes, manners of life and deeds.
At the end, index and two lengthy poems by philosopher and mathematician Jacob Rosales.
[16], 237, [50] pages. 12 cm. Good condition. Stains. Open tear, affecting text of one leaf. Early parchment binding, with defects.
Bookplate of Bibliotheek Kasteel Rosendael by Arnhem.
Bookplate of Mozes Heiman Gans.
