Four books of the Maharal of Prague, first editions that were printed in his lifetime in Krakow, Prague and Venice, bound together in an early leather binding:
· Tiferet Yisrael, discussing the virtue of Torah and mitzvoth, by the Maharal of Prague. Venice: Daniel Zanetti, [1599]. 65 leaves.
On the title page, the Maharal is titled "The amazing Torah scholar, wonder of our times… Head of the Yeshiva R. Yuda Loew son of R. Bezalel… the light of his Torah shines on the holy community of Prague in the country of Pihem [Bohemia]".
· Gevurot Hashem, regarding Passover and the Exodus, with a commentary on the Passover Haggadah, by the Maharal of Prague. Krakow: Yitzchak son of Aharon of Prostějov, 1582. 93, [3] leaves.
· Netzach Yisrael, on Messianic matters and the Jewish Redemption, by the Maharal of Prague. Prague: Moshe son of R. Yosef Bezalel Katz, [1599]. 63 leaves.
· Be'er HaGolah, commentary on Aggadot Chazal, by the Maharal of Prague. Prague: printer not indicated, [1598]. 46 leaves.
On the title page of Gevurot Hashem and on the verso of the title page of Netzach Yisrael are the signatures of "Shmuel Avatz". The owner's signature: "…Meir Tzerndorf" appears on the front flyleaf.
The Maharal, R. Yehuda Loew son of Bezalel (1512-1609), illustrious Torah scholar, born in Worms on the eve of Passover, 1512 (according to some, 1522). Rabbi and Head of Yeshiva in Nikolsburg, Posen and Prague. Teacher of the renowned R. Yom Tov Lipman, author of Tosfot Yom Tov, father-in-law of R. Yitzchak Katz and of R. Eliyahu Luantz, the "Ba'al Shem of Worms". Prominent rabbi and celebrated Jewish philosopher of all times, his distinctive thinking and explanations of Aggadot Chazal (Jewish sages) enlighten the Jewish People until our times. Leader of Moravian Jewry, he was known for his ties with non-Jewish kings and for his tireless battle against blood libels. The Maharal is etched in the hearts of the people as a wonder-worker, especially famed for his Golem created by yichudim and kavanot extracted from Sefer Yetzira and sent by its maker on mysterious missions to thwart anti-Jewish libels [see Nifla'ot Maharal and many folk tales printed about the Golem of Prague]. He printed most of his philosophical compositions during his lifetime, thereby preserving them for posterity (most of his other works on halacha and his Talmudic novellae were lost). These are two of the books printed in his city of Prague (Be'er HaGolah and Netzach Yisrael), one book printed in Krakow (Gevurot Hashem) and one in Venice (Tiferet Yisrael). For many years, these books were not reprinted, however 200 years later, Chassidic leaders and especially the Magid of Koznitz recognized the importance of the reflective teachings of the Maharal and encouraged their reprinting at the end of the 18th century, and thereafter these books profoundly influenced Jewish philosophy and thought.
Four books in one volume. 29 cm. Some darkened leaves. Overall good condition. Stains. Dampstains in some places. Several loose leaves and gatherings. The margins of the first title page are trimmed, affecting its border. Minor defects and paper gluing to the second title page and to other leaves. Early leather binding, torn and damaged.