A Complete Hebrew and English Critical and Pronouncing Dictionary.

(AMERICAN JUDAICA). ROY, WILLIAM L.

University Press - J.F. Trow New York 1837

FIRST EDITION. Warm inscription on title page to W.S.W. Ruschenberger from the Author. With page of recommendations (additional comments on single page pasted on opening endpaper), plate of Oriental Alphabets, 2pp. list of subscribers. A fine copy, uncut and unopened. Original boards, rebacked, sm. folio. Rosenbach 417 (locating only 2 copies)

Recommendations include one from “The Rabbi of the City of Jerusalem” Enoch Zundel: “Mr. William L. Roy is one of the most critical Hebrew scholars I have met since I left the Holy Land - Gesenius not excepted. The Specimen of his Hebrew Dictionary, in manuscript, I have carefully examined; and, although I differ with the author in opinion as to Masheach, yet, in justice to him, I cannot but say, it is the best specimen of the kind I have seen. It evidently manifests a very extensive knowledge of the Hebrew language. I have no doubt the Lexicon will be a great acquisition to American literature.” THE FIRST RABBINIC APPROBATION IN A BOOK PUBLISHED IN AMERICA. In 1833, R. Enoch Zundel traveled to America carrying a letter from Jerusalem addressed to Mordechai Manuel Noah beseeching aid for his impoverished brethren living in the Holy Land. The author of this dictionary, William Roy, translated the letter from Hebrew into English, thus Roy and Zundel became acquainted. Rabbi Zundel made a fine impression upon both his fellow-Jews and equally with the leading Christian clergy of New York. Indeed, during his visit to America, his portrait was engraved - the first published American engraving of a contemporary Jew. See A.J. Karp, Library of Congress Catalogue pp. 295-96 (illustrated)