Sepher Zemiroth Yisrael - Tehillim [Psalms]. Translated into Judeo-German by Moses Mendelssohn with commentaries in Hebrew by Joel Brill and Ovadia Sforno.

Estimate: $2,000–$2,500
Hammer price: Not recorded

Historical auction record. Hammer prices exclude buyer’s premium and taxes.

author

MENDELSSOHN, MOSES.

printer

Chevrath Chinuch Nearim

Place

Berlin

Publication

1785-1791

Description

Four parts bound in two volumes. Opening engraved title with four further divisional title-pages. Three engraved plates illustrating musical instruments. List of subscribers. With important approbations including the father and son R. Tzvi Hirsch and Saul Lewin, R. Joseph Teomim (Peri Megadim) and others.

references

Vinograd, Berlin 328.

summary

FIRST APPEARANCE OF MENDELSSOHN’S MONUMENTAL TRANSLATION IN GERMAN IN HEBREW LETTERS. Mendelssohn’s German translation to the Psalms was transliterated into Hebrew letters to make it more broadly appealing to Jews beyond Germany. Includes three introductions on the structure and style of Hebrew poetry and on the history of ancient Jewish music and musical instruments.

ff. (8), 47, (1) (3); (5), 76; (6),57; (5), 71; (2), 58, (4). Ex-library, two leaves loose, lightly foxed. Original boards, some wear, gutter spilt on first vol. Thick 8vo.

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