First edition of Levi's 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 a five volume 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 (1740-1801), 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. Six volumes (separate volume for the five scrolls); octavo, (19.5 x 13 cm). Two title pages - Hebrew and English to each of the first five volumes. Sixth vol. published with the Hebrew title page only and a divisional Hebrew-English title page for each scroll. Hebrew title pages are engraved by Solomon Polack. Staining and browning to pages, repaired tears to some pages. The five scrolls vol. contains illustration plate depicting the ten sons of Haman hanged. Recent marbled boards with black spines and gilt ornaments to the first five volumes; contemporary brown boards with gilt ornaments to the sixth volume, significantly rubbed and cracked (but holding).

Vinograd, London 116; Roth B8:29.