The Religious Ceremonies and Customs of the Several Nations of the Known World - Bernard Picart, London, 1733-1739. ...

The Religious Ceremonies and Customs of the Several Nations of the Known World - Bernard Picart, London, 1733-1739. Complete Set. First English Edition

The Religious Ceremonies And Customs Of The Several Nations Of The Known World, printed by William Jackson for Claude du Bosc. London, 1733-1739. First English-language edition.

Monumental work by Picart, in English: The Religious Ceremonies And Customs Of The Several Nations Of The Known World, with etchings by Bernard Picart. Complete set, 7 parts in 6 volumes.

Wonderful creation by Jean Frédéric Bernard with stunning etchings by Bernard Picart, it earned the moniker "The Book that Changed the Face of Europe." This series sought to collect the customs and ceremonies of all the recognized religions of the world. This work actually became the foundation of the research of religion and very much influenced the representation of religions in the Western World.

This work, Picart, as known to many, shattered all preconceptions in the field. It represented all the religions, even pagan religions, equally and non-judgmentally. It sought to promote religious tolerance by showing the undesirable results of fanaticism, such as through especially graphic images of executions and torture. In contrast, the work praised religions, such as Islam, which were tolerant of others.

Picart dedicated a lot of space to the Jews in this work, and even opened his work to them - and this at a time when anti-semitism in Europe was extremely widespread. This work presents the Jewish customs in a sympathetic and even admiring manner, and includes the famous two-page engraving of "Purim" in the synagogue in Amsterdam and other works about the Jewish customs, Sukkot, Passover, ritual circumcisions, weddings, burial services and more.

It is reasonable to assume that Picart knew the Jewish community in Amsterdam well, as he even prepared an etching for them for Tikkun Sofrim. This is also the first volume  to contain all known Jewish etchings.

Although the books were banned by the Church, they were published in four languages (French, English, Dutch and German) and sold 4000 copies. This series has received renewed interest in recent years by religious scholars.

This is the first English edition, dedicated to Richard Boyle, Earl of Burlington.

Complete set, with all leaves of etchings. Elegantly printed on thick paper, one of the outstanding illustrated books printed in the 18th century.

6 volumes in the original leather bindings with gilt decorations. 46 cm (Vol. VI is shorter).

Fine-very fine condition. Aging stains.