Mateh Dan – Kuzari Sheni, demonstrating the authenticity of the Oral Law, by R. David Nieto. London: Thomas Ilive, 1714. First edition. Hebrew and Spanish.

The first edition was printed in three variants: Hebrew only, Spanish only, and Hebrew with Spanish. The present volume contains the combined edition – Hebrew with Spanish.

R. David Nieto (1654-1728), Torah scholar well versed in science. Dayan, preacher and physician in Livorno, and later first rabbi of the Sephardi community in London.

Two illustrated title pages, one in Hebrew and one in Spanish. At top of title page is the figure of Rabbi Yehudah the Prince – author of the Mishnah.

On leaf [5], signature of "Moshe Landsberg", perhaps the dayan R. Moshe Landsberg of Posen (Poznań; 1801-1884), a member of the Beit Din of his teacher R. Akiva Eiger, Rabbi of Posen (a famous illustration depicts R. Akiva Eiger walking with two dayanim, one of whom is R. Moshe Landsberg).

On endpaper, signature of "Netanel de Korte".

One of the first Hebrew books printed in England.

[10], 254 leaves. Approx. 22 cm. Varying condition of leaves. First and last leaves in fair condition. Many leaves in middle in good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains and traces of former dampness in several places. Open tears to first and last leaves, affecting text (including text of Spanish title page), repaired with paper filling, with photocopy and handwritten replacements of title page. Stamps. New leather binding.

Bookplate of Mozes Heiman Gans.