Description
The Book of Direction to the Duties of the Heart
Bahya ibn Pakuda was born about roso, and lived for some time in Saragossa in Spain. His major work was written in Arabic, but it is most well-known by its Hebrew title Hovot ha-Levavot (Duties of the Heart). It enjoyed enormous popularity, being reprinted many times. Professor Mansoor has translated the work for the first time from the original Arabic text, and this shows a number of variations from the Hebrew version.
Bahya investigates the motivation of Jewish practice and embarks on a philosophical enquiry into the nature of God, religion, and man. He was very much influenced by the Neoplatonism of his age, as well as by the Muslim mystics.
Professor Mansoor, who is Head of the Department of Hebrew and Semitic Studies at the University of Wisconsin, has added an Introduction and Notes to his translation, which draw attention to these influences and to other relevant material.
The Book of Direction to the Duties of the Heart, Bahya Ben Joseph Ibn Pakuda, Translated from the original Arabic ‘Al-Hiâya ilâ Fara’id Al Qulûb’ by Menahem Mansoor, The Litman Library of Jewish Civilisation, Rutledge and Kegan Paul Ltd, London, 1973
First edition. Hardback. Red cloth binding. Formerly belonging to the Theosophical Society, Gloucester Place. Library stamps to end paper, title page, copyright page, text block. Very good condition.
