FIRST EDITION of a 17th-century account of the Jewish religion, customs and occupations from antiquity to the author`s period. Written by the eminent French historian Claude Fleury (1640-1723), this book proved valuable not only to the ecclesiastical scholars of the 17th and 18th centuries, but also to the proponents of the Emancipation in the late 18th and early 19th century. The book was printed in 1681, and carries a Royal Privilege ("Privilege du Roy") by king Louis XIV, whose children were tutored by the author. The book opens with a small woodcut, and the first letter of the text is decorated with floral patterns. 160x95mm. 343 pages. Patterned board rebound Hardcover with gilt lettering on spine label. Text block edges marbled/dyed red. Cover slightly rubbed and faded/age-stained. slightly worn. Cover edges and corners rubbed. Single hole on spine and two holes on spine hinges (the book shows no further evidence of worming). Spine edges and hinges heavily rubbed and slightly peeling. Ex libris sticker on front whitepage upper corner. Ink inscription/marks on title page upper edge and both sides of pre-title page. Page 175/176 edge partly torn. Pages yellowing, wavy and slightly age-stained. [SUMMARY]: Save for some natural wear due to over 300 years since its printing, this rare first edition of a much-reprinted book is in good condition.