Bidspirit auction | Matteh Dan - Kuzari. London,

Matteh Dan - Kuzari. London, [1714] - One of the first Hebrew book printed in England - an impressive copy in an original binding with two title pages.  Sefer Matteh Dan - the Second Kuzari, proving the truth of the Oral Torah, by Chacham Rabbi David Nieto, Rav of the Sephardic community of London.  In his introduction, Rabbi David Nieto writes that he titled the book Matteh Dan since it is a staff (Matteh) with which to hit the head of the disciples of Anan and Shaul and the Hebrew word Dan (דן) is the initials of his name David Nieto (דוד ניטו).  His important and famed book, Matteh Dan - the Second Kuzari, Rabbi Nieto dedicated to proving the truth of the Oral Torah and the Sages' words, which was doubted by the Anusim. The author subtitled the book 'Second part of the Kuzari' since the first Kuzari dealt with proving the truth of the Written Torah whereas this book deals with the Oral Torah; thus, the books complement each other.  The first edition had three printed variations: Hebrew only, Spanish only and Hebrew with Spanish. This is the Hebrew-Spanish edition.  Chacham Rabbi David Nieto (1654-1728) [Otzar Harabbanim 4926] : was a Rav, physician, philosopher and sage. Was born in Venice. Served as Rav in Livorno and then as the first Rav of the Sephardic community of London. In his Responsa, the author of the Chacham Zvi (Siman 18) praised him and so did the author of the Shaagat Aryeh in his approbation to the Metz edition (see Shem Hegedolim, Matteh Dan entry). The Steipler recommended that the book be studied by anyone who doubts the sanctity of the Sages' words (see for example, Karyana DeIgarta, section I, letter 49).  London, Thomas Live Press, [1714]. First edition. One of the first books that were printed in England.  [7], [1], [3], 254 pp. Illustrated title page. On its upper part, the figure of ”Rabbeinu Hakadosh”, the author of the Mishnah, holding a book of Mishnayot.  Excellent condition. Thick, quality, clean leaves. An impressive copy in an original binding (slightly detached).  The computerized Otzar Hasefer HaIvri 46986.  Fine, complete copy in an original binding of the Hebrew-Spanish edition.