Showrooms

The Form of Prayers... By David LEVY

Creator: David Levy Creations
Offered by: Shapero Gallery

Description
[PRAYER BOOK]. LEVY, David (translator).
The Form of Prayers...
according to the custom of the German and Polish Jews; as read in their Synagogues, and used in their families.

Stock Code 112934
London, Tzvi Bar Michael, 1849

Current price$9,683.00
Set of Festival Prayers (Machzor) by one of the pioneers of Hebrew printing in London with incredible provenance of the De Rothschild family.

The Fourth volume contains a prayer for Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and the Royal Family (p.92). This set was removed from the De Rothschild library at Exbury House, Hampshire and contains a note in French documenting its acquisition by Baron Lionel Nathan de Rothschild. Exbury House was acquired in 1919 by Major Lionel Nathan de Rothschild (1882-1942), the grandson of Baron Lionel Nathan de Rothschild (1808-1879). The set presumed to have belonged to Alfred Charles de Rothschild (1842-1918) a banker and diplomat, who had no children of his own and so his estate was passed to his nephew, Major Lionel Nathan de Rothschild.

The volumes are divided according to the five most important holidays in the Jewish calendar: Vol. I. New Year (Rosh HaShanah); Vol. II. & III. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur); Vol. IV. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot); Vol. V. Feast of Passover (Pesach); Vol. VI. Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot).

David Levi (1742-1801), was an erudite Whitechapel cobbler and one of the most remarkable characters of 18th-century English Jewry. He was born in London and after failing to make a living as a shoemaker, went to the opposite extreme and became a hatter, meanwhile continuing his studies at the Great Synagogue of London. In 1783 he produced a succinct account of the 'Rites and Ceremonies of the Jews, in which their religious principles and tenets are explained'. From that date onwards, he was constantly engaged in literary work, in the intervals of trying to earn his livelihood. He produced grammars, dictionaries, apologetics, pamphlets and polemics. For years on end he was a one-man Anti-Defamation Committee, always prepared to fight with his quill whenever the good name of Jews or Judaism was impugned. In addition, he produced a series of liturgical and other translations, considered to be superior to A. Alexander's. Alexander, who was a well-known and established rival London-Jewish publisher, saw in Levi an imitator. This edition of the Machzor was published long after Levi's passing and his name is spelled Levy on the title by the publisher (it is spelled Levi in all previous editions).

Fourth revised edition. Six volumes, small 4to (23.5 x 15 cm); publishers embossed and gilt purple morocco with elaborate floral ornaments, raised bands and golden metal clasps bearing an engraving of a crown and the initials 'A.R.'; all edges gilt, navy ribbon bookmarks to each volume; parallel English and Hebrew text, occasional slight rubbing to covers.

More Information

Documentation:	Documented elsewhere (similar item)
Period:	19th Century
Condition:	Good.
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	112934
Incollect Reference #:	733719

Message from Seller:

Based in the heart of Mayfair in London, we specialise in prints and original works on paper across a broad range of subjects, from antique prints to modern pochoir plates, as well as photographs from vintage photography to modern art photography.