Biographical Notices of Some of the Most Distinguished Jewish Rabbies, and Translations of Portions of Their Commentaries, and Other Works, with Illustrative Introductions and Notes
New York: Stanford and Swords, 1847. First edition. Hardcover. Octavo. (xi) 245pp. Brown cloth boards, with blind stamped ruling on front cover and gilt lettering on spine. The publication was created for the purposes of English speaking non-Jews, and more specifically aimed at Christian missionaries, as a reference and introductory overview, to acquaint themselves with the life and work (biblical commentaries) of some of the most famous and respected Jewish scholars, throughout history. As the author states in the preface, in reference to the mission to proselytize, "It must be obvious to every reflecting mind, that, in order to insure probable success in an object so interesting and important, it is essentially necessary to obtain some knowledge of the state of Judaism in the world, of its leading articles of religious belief, and also of the principles and views developed in the works of their standard authorities." Rabbis discussed include Judah Halevi, Ibn Ezra, Maimonides, Abarbanel, and Saadia Gaon. A biographical clipping on the author is pasted in, opposite the title page, and a clipping about William Wadden Turner is laid in. Binding with some light staining, smudges and scratches to covers, and light rubbing to corners. Head, tail and back hinge of spine with some chipping. Some staining along edges of book. Interior with some age toning to pages, and some light water staining and foxing throughout. Starting at interior back cover. Binding in overall good-, interior in overall good+ condition. g- to g+. Item #41351
Price: $650.00