First American edition of a book containing letters supposedly written by Jews to Voltaire, offering an apology for their people and the Old Testament. The letters, actually authored by Antoine Guenee, present a critique of Deism rather than a defense of Judaism. Published in Philadelphia by William Young. This work addresses the long-standing debate surrounding Voltaire's anti-Judaism, a topic of significant historical and religious interest. The translation was originally published in Dublin in 1777 by Philip Lefanu.
Subject: Judaism -- 18th century
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Third American edition of "Letters of Certain Jews to Monsieur Voltaire," published in Cincinnati in 1848. This book contains letters purportedly written by Jews in response to Voltaire's critiques of Judaism and the Old Testament. The introduction notes testimony from J. Jonas, President of the Holy Congregation of the Children of Israel in Cincinnati. The original work, though presented as a Jewish defense, was actually authored by the Christian apologist Antoine Guenee and published in a translation by Philip Lefanu in Dublin in 1777. The book explores the historical debate surrounding Voltaire's views on Judaism and the complexities of interpreting his writings.