(Celebrated Philosopher of the German Enlightenment. 1729-1786). Autograph Letter Signed “Hakatan Moshe Dessau,” written in Judeo-German, to his Mechutan (in-law) and close friend, the communal leader and scholar Jospe Schmalkalden.

MENDELSSOHN, MOSES.

27 Marcheshvan

Berlin

1778

Ashkenazic cursive script in Judeo-German with some Hebrew phrases. Concerning the publication of his Chamisha Chumshei Torah.

See A. Altman, Moses Mendelssohn (1973) p. 98.

Mendelssohn’s autographed letters seldom appear at auction - especially those in Hebrew. For other letters to the same correspondent, see Moses Mendelssohn Gesammelte Schriften Jubilaumsausgabe (1974) Vol. 11, letter 10, p. 17 and Vol. 16, letter 141, p. 170. The recipient was the communal leader, scholar and artist Jospe Schmalkalden of Mainz who was related by marriage to Mendelssohn. In this letter he addresses him as “Mechutani Yedidi Vechavivi Ha’aluf Hanavon Vehamaskil …” Mendelssohn writes: “Since you are acquainted with printers and paper-dealers, perhaps you may find out for me which is the best size and type of paper to use for the printing of my Bible. It should not be too thick nor too hard. Perhaps you can obtain samples of all differing formats along with prices. Please excuse this indisposition, but do send your reply with the next post.” Displays the degree of care with which Mendelssohn was involved in the preparations for publishing his Bible translation and commentary. For a magnificent Hebrew illuminated miniature manuscript created by Jospe Schmalkalden, see Kestenbaum & Company, Auction 34, lot 150 (now housed in the Library of Congress, Washington DC).