Histoire des Juifs et des peuples voisins

Humphrey Prideaux, 1648–1724

Histoire des Juifs et des peuples voisins: depuis la décadence des Royaumes d’Israël & de Juda jusqu’à la mort de Jesus-Christ (History of the Jews and Neighboring Peoples: From the Declension of the Kingdoms of Israel & Judah until the Death of Jesus Christ)

Paris: G. Cavelier, 1726

Humphrey Prideaux was a renowned English Hebraist and Orientalist, professor of Oriental languages at Oxford University, and the Dean of Norwich. His book The Old and New Testament Connected in the History of the Jews and Neighboring Nations: From the Declension of the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah to the Time of Christ was first published in London around 1716. During the European Enlightenment it became a staple reference book for the history of the Jews, highly regarded for its comprehensive approach, clarity, and accessible language. It was specifically aimed at a general audience who strived to learn more about ancient Judaism. Prideaux’s book was reprinted numerous times in original and revised editions and translated into French and German—a sign of its popularity. 

Volume Two (Tòme Second) of the new, revised French edition, which slightly deviated from the English original in its title and omitted the initial words referencing the New and Old Testament, was published in 1726 and is shown here. It is open to a copperplate etching by an unknown artist. The illustration refers to the second chapter of the biblical Book of Esther and shows an exquisitely dressed Esther, three handmaidens, and a eunuch at her meeting with King Ahasuerus in his palace.