Zot Torat ha-Kenaot, Jacob Emden, Amsterdam: Yuda bar Shiloh, 1752

73 leaves (7 14 x 5 7/8 in.; 185 X 150 mm). Browned as usual; Leaves strengthened at gutter; wormed; lightly stained; marginal tape repairs, some affecting text; final leaf trimmed at bottom margin shaving catchword on recto; a few marginal notations in ink; library stamps 1r, 73v. Later half vellum over gilt stamped green cloth; titles stamped in gilt on spine.

Vinograd, Altona 54.

This polemical work by Jacob Emden, one of the outstanding scholars of his generation, comprises an anthology of documents relating to Sabbetianism, the lingering belief in Sabbetai Tzvi, the false messiah of the previous century. It is remarkable for its painstaking accumulation of documentary evidence to support its arguments against the heretical sect. It includes a biography of Sabbetai Tzvi and critiques of Jonathan Eybeschuetz, Nehemiah Hayyon and other suspected Sabbetians. Emden, wrote this work after being forced to flee to Amsterdam in the wake of his having accused Eybeschuetz of writing Sabbetian amulets.