Shirei Tiferet. Naftali Hartwig Wessely. Prague 1809

Shirei Tiferet. Naftali Hartwig Wessely. Prague 1809

Shirei Tiferet, a compilation of eighteen songs, chronicling Hash-m's glory and strength, and the wonders He did for our forefathers, by delivering them out of the land of Egypt and bringing them to Mount Sinai. By Naftali Hartwig Wessely. Prague 1809.

Specifications: [13], 2-37, 35, 39-40, [9], 2-3, 3, 5-31, 25, 33-39, 9, 41-56, [11], 2-60, [12], 2-62, [20], 2-64, [14] leaves, paper. 19 cm.

Naftali Hartwig Wessely (1725-1805) one of the first of the "enlightenment," linguist, writer and poet. Born in Hamburg, and raised in Copenhagen, he studied Talmud and poskim in yeshivas, and continued on to study Hebrew grammar. He was interested in mathematics and science, history and foreign languages. He began to engage in commerce and banking, and worked in a bank in Amsterdam. In 1769, he left Amsterdam and returned to Copenhagen. His essay, "Divrei Shalom VeEmet" ("Words of Peace and Truth"), sparked a heated controversy between the early maskilim and the rabbis of European communities because he presented a new scale of values in which the value of "man" preceded the value of "Jew." 

Unique Features: The songs we have before us, "Shirei Tiferet," have influenced several generations of poets after the author, and some researchers view it as the beginning of modern Hebrew literature.

Condition: Very fine condition, except for two leaves which were cut lengthwise. Few slight aging stains. Original leather binding, gilt imprint on back binding.