Gomez, Isaac. Selections Of A Father For The Use Of His Children 1820 New York This book is considered the first children's book by a Jewish-American author This literary anthology for adolescents, included an approbation by John Adams that was pasted into a few copies only (including this one). Adams judged that the book was ?worthy to be presented by every Father to every Child, and deserve a place in every family.? Gomez?s Jewish affiliation resonates in the book with his decision to include a selection from The History of Pope Pius V, which is the source for the ?pound of flesh? incident in Shakespeare?s Merchant of Venice. As opposed to Shakespeare?s telling, in the History of Pope Pius V, it is the Jew who is the victim and the Christian who threatens him. Gomez prefaced the selection by writing: ?The following subject shows that Shakespeare altered the character of Shylock, making him to be of the Jewish nation, when in reality he was not.? As Louis Harap notes (The Image of the Jew in American Literature, p. 260), ?Gomez was obviously trying to combat the effects of the Shylock stereotype?. Isaac Gomez (1768-1831), whose great-grandfather had fled from Portugal to New York in 1703, was active in New York?s Jewish community. The few early literary contributions by American Jews ?was anything but impressive, but Gomez?s book is worth remembering as one of American Jewry?s earliest literary efforts If you require additional pictures, I can take some, just request! The Book is cosmetically in fair condition, heavy wear to binding, page discoloration throughout book. Inscribed on first page "John Bryan Nov 1820", and what appears to be "William Gold". Front cover of book is inscribed William D Gilliland Thanks!