Kitzur Dikkuduk Lashon Ivri – London 1855

The Copy of Baron Lionel (Nathan) de Rothschild

...

Kitzur Dikkuduk Lashon Ivri – London 1855

The Copy of Baron Lionel (Nathan) de Rothschild

Title: Kitzur Dikkuduk Lashon Ivri (Short Hebrew Grammar)

 with Otzar Lashon Ivri and Keshedi (a separate section)

Publisher: London, 1855

Provenance: Baron Lionel Nathan de Rothschild

Condition: Very Good, with minor imperfections in the binding

Description:

This rare edition of Kitzur Dikkuduk Lashon Ivri, a short Hebrew grammar with an accompanying Otzar Lashon Ivri and a separate section on Keshedi, was printed in London in 1855. It is a highly sought-after volume due to its historical and cultural significance, and it comes with a notable provenance as the personal copy of Baron Lionel Nathan de Rothschild.

Key Features:

Special Provenance:

This volume was once part of the personal collection of Baron Lionel Nathan de Rothschild (1808–1879), a key figure in British political and banking history. The name "Baron Lionel de Rothschild" is gold-stamped on the front cover of the book, making it a rare item with both cultural and historical value.

Baron Lionel Nathan de Rothschild:

Baron Lionel Nathan de Rothschild was the first Jewish member of the British Parliament, elected in 1847. However, he was unable to take his seat due to the requirement that all members of Parliament swear an oath of allegiance to the Crown, which involved a Christian oath. Lionel, who was proud of his Jewish identity, could not take such an oath and thus could not serve in Parliament at that time.

After a long campaign, in 1858, he was able to take his seat in the British Parliament after the law was changed, and he swore his oath with a Jewish declaration: "So help me God, " in English, while also using the name Elokim (God) in Hebrew, affirming his Jewish faith.

Lionel's struggle for religious rights and his perseverance in the face of legal and social challenges remain an important chapter in the history of Jewish integration into European political life.

Condition:

The book is in very good condition, with some minor imperfections at the joint of the spine to the cover, but it remains intact and beautifully preserved for a book of its age.

The original leather binding is still in good shape, with gold stamping on the front cover that remains legible and sharp.

The internal pages are well-preserved with some light aging consistent with a book of this vintage, but no significant issues.

Significance:

This volume is remarkable not only for its academic value as a Hebrew grammar book but also for its historical significance, given the ownership by one of the most prominent figures in 19th-century Britain.

Baron Lionel de Rothschild’s connection to the book makes it an invaluable piece for collectors of Rothschild memorabilia, Jewish history, and British political history.

The "Kitzur Dikkuduk Lashon Ivri" itself is a key work for Hebrew students, providing insight into the structure and grammar of the Hebrew language, and it has become a sought-after book for collectors of rare Judaica.

Conclusion:

This rare edition of Kitzur Dikkuduk Lashon Ivri from 1855 is an exceptional item for collectors of Judaica and those interested in the history of the Rothschild family, particularly Baron Lionel Nathan de Rothschild’s contributions to both Jewish life and British politics. The book’s provenance and its historical context as the first Jewish MP’s personal copy make it a unique addition to any collection of Jewish history or Rothschild memorabilia.

With its original binding, gold embossing, and historical value, this book is a true gem for collectors.