LaShon HaZahav - Die Goldeneh Sprach [Hebrew grammar and its merit above all other languages]

MENDELSSOHN, MOSES.

(Berlin)

(1783)

Text in Hebrew and Judeo-German.

Vinograd, Berlin 315; Roest p. 799.

According to Zedner (Catalogue of the Hebrew Books in the British Museum, p. 533) this work is “a spurious reprint” of a part [pp. 62-94] of [Ohr LeNithiva].” Ohr LeNithiva was a separately issued introduction (printed in only 300 copies) to Mendelssohn’s yet to be issued Sepher Nethivoth HaShalom, his revolutionary translation of the Pentateuch with the famed Bi’ur commentary. (See Kestenbaum Auction 63, lot 185). The present petite volume was likely also issued in a limited edition to satisfy the curiosity of Mendelssohn’s students leading up to the publication of the Nethivoth HaShalom (1783). Apparently, they were keen to ascertain what was the methodology by which Mendelssohn was approaching the composition of the Biur. LaShon HaZahav has changes and added Judeo-German text when compared to the Ohr LeNithiva. Worldcat records just one single copy in America (NYPL).