Kuzari Sheni – London, 1714 – First Edition – The Combined Edition, Hebrew with Spanish

Kuzari Sheni – London, 1714 – First Edition – The Combined Edition, Hebrew with Spanish

Mateh Dan – Kuzari Sheni, demonstrating the authenticity of the Oral Law, by R. David Nieto. London: Thomas Ilive, 1714. First edition. Hebrew and Spanish.

The first edition was printed in three variants: Hebrew only, Spanish only, and Hebrew with Spanish. The present volume contains the combined edition – Hebrew with Spanish.

R. David Nieto (1654-1728), Torah scholar well versed in science. Dayan, preacher and physician in Livorno, and later first rabbi of the Sephardi community in London.

The book was originally printed with two engraved title pages, one in Hebrew and one in Spanish. The present copy contains the Hebrew title page only. At top of title page is the figure of Rabbi Yehudah the Prince – author of the Mishnah.

Handwritten inscriptions in several places.

[8], 254 leaves. Lacking 3 leaves: Spanish title page, and leaves [3-4] with dedication in Spanish to officials of the Shaar HaShamayim community in London. One of the unnumbered leaves at beginning of book is blank. Leaves 181-192 bound out of place, after leaf 212. 23.5 cm. Condition varies; first and last leaves in fair condition, many leaves in middle of book in good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Worming and tears to title page and several other leaves, slightly affecting title page, partially repaired with paper (both sides of title page repaired). Marginal open tears to first tens of leaves and last leaves, not affecting text. First leaves detached. Early leather binding, worn and damaged, front and back side detached.

One of the first Hebrew books printed in England.