Letters Of Certain Jews To Monsieur De Voltaire, Containing An Apology For Their Own People, And For The Old Testament; With Critical Reflections And A Short Commentary Extracted From A Greater; Translated by the Rev. Philip LeFanu
Dublin: William Watson, 1777. First edition. Hardcover. 445, 428 pages. 21 x 14 cm. The controversy of Voltaire's anti-Semitism has been long disputed. He was at war with both Judaism and Christianity. He wanted to purge all men, of whatever persuasion, from these superstitions in order to make them enlightened. He ridiculed each of the major religions, but he was meanest to the Jews: ''You have surpassed all nations in impertinent fables, in bad conduct and in barbarism." Jacobins such as Jean Francois Rewbell in the 1790's and the socialist Pierre Proudhon in the next generation are among the many figures, especially of the left, who justified their arguments against the Jews by quoting Voltaire. Scattered toning, mostly in first and last leaves, tight and firm copy. Modern black leatherette, spines printed in gilt. Very good. 2 vols. Item #20951
Price: $350.00