Tikun Sofrim.

Hebrew-English Pentateuch with a separate volume of the Five Scrolls. First edition of Levi's Hebrew-English Pentateuch, which came to be the best known bible translation by a Jew of its time. Published together with a sixth volume of the Five Scrolls. Roth lists this edition as five volumes only.

This Pentateuch contains the Haftarot, a series of selections from the books of Prophets of the Hebrew Bible that are publicly read in synagogue as part of the Jewish religious practice, following the Torah reading on Saturdays, Jewish festivals and fast days. Hebrew text and English translation printed on facing pages, English text accompanied by explanatory notes. Divisional title pages for the Haftarot. The additional Hebrew title page of each volume engraved by Solomon Polack, showing Jews praying and celebrating in a synagogue.

David Levi (1742-1801), was an erudite Whitechapel cobbler and one of the most remarkable characters of 18th-century English Jewry. He was born in London and after failing to make a living as a shoemaker, went to the opposite extreme and became a hatter, meanwhile continuing his studies at the Great Synagogue of London. In 1783 he produced a succinct account of the 'Rites and Ceremonies of the Jews, in which their religious principles and tenets are explained'. From that date onwards, he was constantly engaged in literary work, in the intervals of trying to earn his livelihood. He produced grammars, dictionaries, apologetics, pamphlets and polemics. For years on end he was a one-man Anti-Defamation Committee, always prepared to fight with his quill whenever the good name of Jews or Judaism was impugned. In addition, he produced a series of liturgical and other translations, considered to be superior to A. Alexander's. Alexander, who was a well-known and established rival London-Jewish publisher, saw in Levi an imitator.

First edition; 6 vols (incl. separate vol. for the five scrolls); 8vo (19.5 x 13 cm), Hebrew & English text on facing pages; recent half black cloth, in imitation of morocco, over marbled boards, spines gilt with floral device to each compartment, vol. 6 with slightly different floral device, marbled endpapers; 2 title pages: Hebrew & English to first 5 vols; vol. VI published with Hebrew title page only and a divisional Hebrew-English title page for each scroll; Hebrew title pages engraved by Solomon Polack; some staining & browning to pages, repaired tears to some pages. The five scrolls vol. contains illustration plate depicting the ten sons of Haman hanged.

Vinograd (London), 116; Roth B8:29.