[Judah, Samuel B.H.]:

GOTHAM AND THE GOTHAMITES, A MEDLEY.

New York: Published for the Author, and sold by S. King, 136 William-Street, 1823. lvi, 93, [1] pages. Bound in original salmon-colored paper over boards [light wear along spine]. Title printed on front cover and spine, publisher advertisement on the rear board. Light scattered foxing, untrimmed, Very Good.

Judah was "one of the first Jews to contribute to American literature." This work is "a versified satire directed against more than a hundred prominent citizens of New York, and is spoken of as 'defamatory' by Daly, who gives an admirable critique of it in his sketch of the author. Judah was indicted for libel, and, together with his publisher, was arrested. Unable to pay the fine imposed, he was sent to prison; but, owing to illness, he was soon pardoned by the governor and discharged. Subsequently he became an attorney and counselor of the supreme court" [Encyclopedia Judaica].
This controversial play ended Judah's career. This copy has "the suppressed pp. xxi-xxiv", which "most copies lack according to note pasted in OCH copy" [Singerman].
FIRST EDITION. Rosenbach 242. Singerman 0372. X Encyclopedia Judaica 335. BAL 11020. Item #40213

Price: $1,500.00