De La Crequiniere. The Agreement of the Customs of the East-Indians With those of the Jews, and other Ancient People. Translated by John Toland.

(INDIA).

W. Davis

London

1705

First English Edition. Four copper engravings illustrating ritual scenes as well as sacred buildings.

Roth, Magna Bibliotheca Anglo-Judaica, p. 380, no. 6.

An important work in the development of historical ethnology. Compares Jewish customs with traditions from the East Indies, finding many similarities. Includes essays on circumcision, eating and drinking habits, manners of warfare, paganism, and even economic behavior. The English deist John Toland (1670-1722) had a distinct interest in the comparative scholarship of Biblical Jewish culture with other cultures.