Subject: Political science

A handwritten manuscript copy of "Archaeologia Biblica: Political Antiquities of the Jews," detailing various aspects of Jewish government, law, and religion from patriarchal times to the Babylonian captivity. The manuscript covers topics such as patriarchal government, the reigns of Israelite kings, their revenues and palace officials, tribal schisms, legal proceedings, criminal laws (including capital punishment and crucifixion), military affairs, the Temple and synagogues, sacred persons and ministers (priests and high priests), prophets, sacred times and obligations, oaths and vows, Jewish purifications, religious corruptions and idolatries, Jewish sects in the New Testament, and the condition of slaves and servants. The manuscript was likely created by John Beck around 1790. The author, John Beck, was born on August 19, 1755, in Virginia, USA, and died on May 19, 1818, in Black Swamp, Beaufort District (Jasper County), South Carolina, USA.

This book, published in New York City in 1829 by Naphtali Judah, contains the political writings of Joel Barlow. It's bound in modern quarter red morocco and marbled boards. Pages 159 and 160 were supplied in facsimile. Naphtali Judah was one of the first Jewish book dealers and publishers in the United States.