Obj. ID: 40945  Oude en Tegenwoordige Staat en Geschiedenis van alle Godsdiensten, van de Schepping af Tot Op den Tegenwoordigen Tijd by William Hurd, Amsterdam, 1781

This text was prepared by William Gross:

Oude en Tegenwoordige Staat en Geschiedenis van alle Godsdiensten, van de Schepping af Tot Op den Tegenwoordigen Tijd by William Hurd. Amsterdam: Martinus de Bruyn, 1781-1791. Entire set is seven volumes of which this is the first.
First volume out of William Hurd's 7 volume study of different religions. The volume is dedicated in part to customs of Amsterdam's Jews and is accompanied by 27 engraved plates (mostly folding). Six engravings depict Jewish holidays and customs – raising the Torah in synagogue, Jewish wedding, Purim festivities, and more. XVI, XII, 561 pp [27] plates, 22 cm.
A scarce early edition of Hurd's brilliant work on comparative religion andobscurereligious practices and the first in the Dutch language. 'Both antient and Modern, from the Creation down to the present Time'. Featuring sixty copper engraved plates, collate complete, 'most elegantly designed and engraved then any usually given with periodical publications'depicting all manner of religious rites and ceremonies from all over the world. From designs by Walker, Collyer, Taylor and others. 'And to make the whole as superb and masterly as possible, a great number of ornamental borders are added by an eminent hand'. Containing 'curious, instructive and entertaining particulars. . . a variety of new and interesting matter relative to the manners and customs of all nations, not to be found in any other work', as well as a full and authentic account of the life and progress, including the ancient and present state of all known religions at this time. 'Comprehending also a genuine and circumstantial description of all the most material lesser sects, parties, heresies and religious opinions since the first promulgation of Christianity, and likewise the ecclesiastical laws and history concerning every religion'. 'Designed to form a complete family library. Including the whole body of divinity, according to the different religious usages in every part of the known world. Calculated for Christians of all denominations; and illustrated by quotations from the most celebrated authors'. The first edition was published in 1780 in Engish and there were many additional printings such as this one. This edition appeared only one year after the first printing in London.