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FRANCIS BEDFORD (1815-94)
The Oldest Book existing in the World [The Abisha Scroll, Nablus]
13 Apr 1862RCIN 2700941
The Abisha Scroll is an early manuscript of the Samaritan Pentateuch (a version of the first five books of the Old Testament). It is traditionally believed to have been written by Abishua, the great-grandson of Aaron. Modern scholarship, however, dates the manuscript to between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries. The scroll is held in the Samaritan synagogue in Nablus, where it was viewed by the Prince of Wales.
Acquired by the Prince of Wales, 1862
