Tephilloth. Containing the Forms of Prayers Which are Publicly Read in the Synagogues, and Used in All Families.

Auction 98 | Thursday, June 16th, 2022 at 1:00pm

Fine Judaica: Rare Printed Books, Manuscripts, & Autograph Letters

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Lot 221

(LITURGY).

Tephilloth. Containing the Forms of Prayers Which are Publicly Read in the Synagogues, and Used in All Families.

<<FIRST EDITION.>> Translated by B. Meyers and A. Alexander. Hebrew and English on facing pages. Two title-pages. 10-page list of subscribers and with 2 leaves at end (translators’ preface in English) missing in many copies. Formerly in the collection of the Valmadonna Trust. ff. (3), 3-203, pp. 204-213, (17). Lightly browned. Contemporary gilt-ruled mottled calf, expertly rebacked. Modern slip-case. 8vo Vinograd, London 60; Roth, London 16.

London: W. Tooke 1770

Est: $3,000 - $5,000

PRICE REALIZED $4,200

<<THE FIRST HEBREW-ENGLISH PRAYER BOOK PRINTED IN ENGLAND.>> In the preface, the co-translators Meyers and Alexander belittle the earlier attempt at an English translation of the Hebrew liturgy: "It is true, such a thing has been attempted under the title of Liturgia Judaica, but the manner in which it was effected plainly demonstrates, that Gamaliel Ben Pedahzur, either knew nothing of the Hebrew tongue, or that his intention was to throw a ridicule upon the whole Jewish community." The reference is to the Prayer Book published in 1738 by the apostate Abraham Mears under the pseudonym "Gamaliel Ben Pedahzur." See C. Roth, Gamaliel Ben Pedahzur and his Prayer Book, in: JHSE, Miscellanies II (1935) pp. 1-8. <<Also see Lot 91.>>