Three books by the Chassid R. Yosef Yaavetz; first editions brought to print concurrently by R. Yitzchak Alhakim:
• Maamar HaAchdut. Ferrara: Abraham ibn Usque, 1553.
• Yesod HaEmunah. Ferrara: Abraham ibn Usque, 1553.
• Or HaChaim. Ferrara: Abraham ibn Usque, 1553.
Fine engraved title pages. Usque's printer's device appears in the center of the title page (and in two of the books, on the final leaf as well) – an astrolabe set within a frame, with the verses: "Those who hope in G-d will renew their vigor…", "I hoped in G-d, my soul hoped…".
The author, known as the Chassid Yaavetz, was a leading rabbi in the time of the Spanish expulsion. His book Or HaChaim was reprinted in many editions, and was renowned for its censure of philosophy and its call to return to Emunah Temimah (unquestioning faith) – see below.
Signatures (slightly trimmed) on the title pages of Maamar HaAchdut and Or HaChaim (in Italian script): "Mine, Refael Uri Treves".
Handwritten emendations in Yesod HaEmunah. A brief paragraph from the Zohar was inscribed on leaf [15] of Yesod HaEmunah.
Three books (originally bound together, later separated): Maamar HaAchdut: [16] leaves; Yesod HaEmunah: [16] leaves; Or HaChaim: [28] leaves. 20 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Open tear to title page of Yesod HaEmunah, affecting engraving, repaired with paper. Marginal tears to one leaf in Yesod HaEmunah, repaired with paper close to text. Several leaves reinforced with paper. Abrasions to title pages and colophon leaves from removal of stamps. Without bindings.

The Chassid Yaavetz, Spanish Expulsion and War Against Philosophy
R. Yosef Yaavetz, known as the Chassid Yaavetz (ca. 1440 – 1508), was a leading rabbi at the time of the Spanish expulsion. Born in Lisbon, Portugal, he studied under Don Yitzchak Abarbanel. After the expulsion, he reached Italy and travelled the country together with his son R. Yitzchak. He came to the aid of his fellow Spanish exiles, preaching to them, encouraging them and strengthening their faith. The principles of faith and Divine Providence are topics stressed repeatedly in his works.
Or HaChaim, his most celebrated work, was reprinted in many editions. The book contains fierce censure of the rationalistic philosophy of the Middle Ages, which was widespread in Spain before the expulsion. The Chassid Yaavetz blames the preoccupation with philosophy over Torah study, for the eventual demise of Spanish Jewry. His famously wrote about the importance of Emunah Temimah (unquestioning faith) in face of coerced conversions, that while scholars and philosophers succumbed to the pressure to convert, the simple people remained steadfast in their faith.