Mateh Dan - Kuzari Sheni, "Verifies and teaches with logical assertions… the truth of the Oral Torah", by Rabbi David Nieto. London, [1714]. First edition.
The first edition was printed in three variations: Only Hebrew, only Spanish and Hebrew with Spanish. This is the combined edition, Hebrew and Spanish, the most rare of the three.
Two illustrated title pages, one in Hebrew and one in Spanish. At the top of the title pages is a drawing of Rabbeinu HaKadosh (Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi) who compiled the Mishnah. Printed between the Hebrew title page and the Spanish title page is a long Spanish dedication to the community leaders and gabai'im of the Sha'ar HaShamayim congregation in London and a Hebrew introduction to the book.
Stamps. Ownership inscriptions and quill marks on flyleaves. On back flyleaf is an ownership inscription in Italian writing: "The Great Mekubal Chassid Mohareridam [?]…".
Rabbi David Nieto (1654-1728, Otzar HaRabbanim 4926), a Torah genius with vast knowledge of science, also a Dayan, speaker and physician in Livorno and later first rabbi of the London Sephardic community. Author of the famous book Mateh Dan - Kuzari Sheni defending the truth of the Oral Torah and contradicting mistaken theories which were rampant in the midst of the Anusim communities of Western Europe.
Complete copy. [10], 254 leaves. 22 cm. The book is in a very good condition. Ink stains and paper mounting on first pages. Binding with vellum spine, damaged.
One of the first Hebrew books printed in England.