Tephilloth,

A personalised copy of Naphtali Franks, Esq., Governor of the Great Synagogue of London.

This special copy of the second edition of the Ashkenazic Prayer-book differs in content from the regular second edition, printed on thicker paper it contains a special dedication page to Mr. Franks and lacks the Index and the Parshiot parts, ending after Seder Kriat Shema.

Alexander Alexander, pioneer of the Hebrew press in London, produced this liturgy according to the Ashkenazic rite, in partnership with Benedict Meyers (Jost) of Halberstadt. The first English translation of the daily prayer-book, its first edition was printed on a subscription basis, and interestingly, the list of subscribers included many non-Jews. This list of subscribers was not included in the second edition, nor in this special personalised copy. The second edition of this prayer-book was published by Levy Alexander, son and successor to Alexander Alexander.

Naphtali Franks (1715-1796) was born in New City, settled in London and became a prominent figure in the 18th century London Jewish community.