The Book of Religion; Ceremonies and Prayers, Gamaliel ben Pedahzur, London1738 
First English translation of the Hebrew prayer book
- Final Bid Price: $2,200.00 Reserve Price Not Met
- 7 Bid(s)
- Lot Number 45772
- Title (English) The Book of Religion; Ceremonies and Prayers of the Jews
- Note First English translation of the Hebrew prayer book
- Author Gamaliel ben Pedahzur [Abraham Mears]
- City London
- Publisher J. Wilcox
- Publication Date 1738
- Estimated Price - Low 6,000
- Estimated Price - High 10,000
- Item # 1233464
- End Date
- Start Date
Physical Description
First edition, xiv, 96; 291, [7] pp., octavo, 197:120 mm., light age and damp staining, wide margins. A very good copy bound in contemporary boards, rubbed. Very rare.
First English translation of the Hebrew prayer book
Detail Description
The Book of Religion; Ceremonies and Prayers of the Jews is the first English translation of the Hebrew prayer book by Gamaliel ben Pedahzur (a pseudonym for Abraham Mears an apostate). The real name of the author was concealed from the leaders of the Jewish community of London, who would not sanction the English translation. The printing in England of the second English translation, by Isaac Pinto, was similarly opposed, and the translator had it printed by John Holt in New York, in 1766.
Hebrew Description...
Reference Description
Roth, Anglo-Judaica p. 302 #6