Traite de la Circulation et du Credit

AUCTION 16 | Tuesday, June 25th, 2002 at 1:00

Important Hebrew Printed Books and Manuscripts From the Library of the London Beth Din

Back to Catalogue

<Previous Lot

/275

Next Lot>

Lot 196

PINTO, ISAAC DE

Traite de la Circulation et du Credit

FIRST EDITION. Additional 8-page note on the state of English finances in 1770 (interim half-sheet H*) inserted after p.128 and usually lacking. (Utilizes Hebrew type for the Hebrew terms interest and usury: Neshech and Tarbith ) pp. xvi, 368. Contemporary ink attribution to the front free endpaper and booklabel to the front pastedown; insignificant dampmark to the upper edge of the first few leaves and occasional light spotting elsewhere, otherwise a very good copy. Contemporary half-calf and plain boards, a little soiled, corners worn, spine ruled and stamped gilt in compartments, small chip at bottom of upper joint, with a gilt morocco lettering piece. 8vo Einaudi 4447; Goldsmiths' 10791; Kress 6811; McCulloch p.347

Amsterdam: Marc Michel Rey 1771

Est: $6,000 - $8,000

PRICE REALIZED $6,500

First edition of this “sound and ingenious” work of economic-philosophy. An important work on revenue and stock exchange transactions, in which Pinto saw economic advancement for Jews a suitable response to those who denounced the “Jewish Problem.” If Jews were no longer politically forced to occupy a parasitic economic role in Society, their economic enhancement would be desirable for all. - No doubt a suitable response to the theories of Voltaire. Pinto (1715-1787) was descended from a Portuguese-Jewish family and lived for some time at Bordeaux. “He then settled in Holland, where he soon made a large fortune and an equally great reputation. The Stathouder William IV (1747-51) had a very high opinion of his advice, both on administration and finance. He was as tolerant as he was high-minded, and his benevolence won him popularity.” (Palgrave). A deeply cultured Jew of the Enlightenment he used his combative pen to defend Jewish honor