Sefer Chovas Halevavos, Mantua 1559

Sefer Chovas Halevavos, Mantua 1559

A fine copy of one of the most fundamental Sifrei Mussar: Sefer Chovas Halevavos, Mantua 1559. This Mantua edition is highly sought after and is known for its accuracy, as the publishers used various manuscripts when preparing it for print. As such, it serves as the prototype for the many subsequent editions which were printed through the centuries.  

Sefer Chovas Halevavos is known as one of the primary Sifrei Mussar and has been learned and studied throughout the ages. It is well known that the Chasam Sofer, before saying his daily Shiur in Pressburg, would begin by learning a few passages of Chovas Halevavos. Likewise, R. Yitzchak Ze’ev Soloveitchik - The Brisker Rav, would say in the name of his father R. Chaim of Brisk, that Chovas Halevavos is “Kulo Chochma U’Mussar”. In fact, in his early years after his marriage, the Brisker Rav was swindled out of prime Warsaw real estate which he had received from his father-in-law, and it was all stolen from him. During that time he learned Sha’ar HaBitachon of Chovas Halevavos dozens of times. He is quoted as saying that when he owned the real estate he thought he was wealthy, however once he learned and internalized Sha’ar Habitachon, did he then realize who is truly wealthy. 

103 pp. Complete with the additional leaves of indices, which are found only in some copies. Small holes seen on title page, otherwise in good condition. With some occasional small handwritten glosses. 

Provenance: The Israel Mehlman Collection, with his inscription "Lo Sh'chiach" (="Uncommon") on the flyleaf.