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Extremely Rare London-Printed Yiddish/Hebrew Book (Tehillim & Prophets) — 1823

Lot 38: Extremely Rare London-Printed Yiddish/Hebrew Book (Tehillim & Prophets) — 1823

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Start price: £100

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A historic 19th-century volume printed in London, featuring the full text of Psalms and the Latter Prophets, uniquely rendered in Yiddish and Rashi Script.


This rare book is a significant find for collectors of antique Anglo-Jewish literature and European Judaica. It represents a standalone, dedicated volume for study and prayer, specifically targeting the Yiddish-speaking Jewish community residing in London in the early 1800s.

Key Features & Historical Significance:

  • Content: Contains the complete Book of Psalms (Tehillim) followed by the Latter Prophets (Neviim Acharonim): Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve Minor Prophets.
  • Print Origin & Date: Clearly printed in London in the year 1823, as noted on the title page:
    • “Gedruckt Bey A. Macintosh, Great New Street.” (Printed by A. Macintosh, Great New Street)
    • Date: 1823
  • Language & Script: The primary text and commentary are rendered in Yiddish (Ivri−Teitch or Judeo-German), written using the distinctive Rashi Script typeface. This format was popular for devotional and study books intended for a broad readership.
  • Rarity: Unlike volumes that were part of a larger set, this book was printed as a standalone work, indicating its importance for daily prayer and study, especially the Psalms. Finding a copy printed in London from this period, particularly one focused on the Yiddish-speaking community, is uncommon.
  • Provenance: The front endpaper bears a distinct, original handwritten date of "November 14, 1839" and a name inscription ("W. Dutch" or similar), establishing an early, documented ownership history just 16 years after its publication.


Condition report:

This is an antique item in Fair/Good Collectible Condition for its nearly 200 years of age.

  • Binding: The original full leather or calfskin binding is intact but heavily worn, scratched, and aged, consistent with a book handled and used frequently over two centuries. The spine has visible wear and partial loss of the original paper spine label.
  • Interior: The pages exhibit deep foxing, staining, and browning due to the age and quality of the paper. However, the text is fully legible throughout.
  • אוצר הספרThe book is complete, with all pages present, including the essential title page and endpapers showing historical inscriptions. The binding remains functional.

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