Psalms in Hebrew | The first printing of any part of the Bible in Hebrew in America

Psalms in Hebrew

Sepher Tehillim [in Hebrew type]. Liber Psalmorum Hebraïce cum Notis Selectis ex Editione Frances Hare S.T.P. Episcopi Cicestrensis: et cum Selecta Lectionum Varietate Ex Ed. Vet. Test. Heb. Benj. Kennicott S.T.P. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Hilliard & Metcalf, 1809

12mo (172 x 108 mm). Unvocalized Hebrew text of Psalms at the top of each page with Latin translation below, two parallel columns in Latin below the translation; the first containing selected Latin notes from the edition of Francis Hare and the second, selected variant readings from the work of Benjamin Kennicott; some light text browning and occasional scattered foxing or spotting. Contemporary mottled calf; neatly rebacked with original spine laid down. Burgundy cloth chemise and full crimson morocco slipcase gilt-ruled and lettered.

The first printing of any part of the Bible in Hebrew in America. Its appearance sparked a desire to print the complete Hebrew Bible in the New World, which reached fruition in 1814. A highly desired piece of American Judaica, and important rarity of American Bibles.

PROVENANCE

Joseph Allen (ownership inscription on front free endpaper with note: “Cambridge University | 1809”)

REFERENCE

Celebration of My Country 158; Goldman, Hebrew Printing in America 1; Rosenbach 152 (locating only one copy— his own); Sabin 66455; Shaw & Shoemaker 17004; Wright, Early Bibles in America, p. 122