2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
Entirely penned by Isaac Leeser and easily recognizable as his distinctive hand. Dated “Philadelphia Sept. 20, 1854.” Single sheet (7 ½ x 9 ½ ) both sides; original draft intended both as a promotional sales broadside for mailing to his subscribers…or an advertisement and article in his own periodical: “the Occident.” The layout and composition of the penned heading fills almost half of first page and is arranged in the same manner as if it were to be set in type. Headed: “LATELY PUBLISHED…a new version of the Holy Scriptures from the original Hebrew in English…under the following title…The Twenty-Four Books…of the…Holy Scriptures…Carefully Translated…According to the Massoretic Text, on the Basis of the…English Version,…and Supplied With Short Explanatory Notes…by Isaac Leeser of Philadelphia.” (significant to note that although this document is not signed at its conclusion by Leeser, those very words where he mentioned his name as the author is his exact signature and is accompanied by photostats from letters by him completely verifying that fact.) The document continues: “…this work forms an elegant quarter volume of 1,071 pages printed in double column with large type and on fine paper…as regards to exterior appearances with any English publication it will be sold at the following prices [and describes varied qualities and bound editions and their prices that he has issued]…the translator who has had much experience in various literary labors has had his attention directed for many years to the shortcomings of the common English or King James’ Bible Version, in which pub [sic] many important discoveries in the meaning of words and phrases brought to light by the unremitted studies of both Jewish and [other ?] critics for the last two centuries. These labors have…been embodied in several new versions of the Old Testament Scriptures, so called,…existing in the Hebrew language by many learned men in Germany, France, England and Holland; and from the well known deep scholarship of German Theologians it will be apparent that these especially must have labored faithfully and profitably in this important field. The translator, flattering himself that his general acquaintance with Hebrew, German and English renders him at least not more unfitted then any other person in this country from succeeding in this difficult field, has accordingly ventured to prepare a new English version founded under the same general principles of interpretation… without at the same time having all together the basis of the common translation in use in America and England. He has however not copied any authorities, but has honestly endeavored to judge for himself, and has carefully weighed different opinions as far as his ability to do so extends. He will not assert that he has escaped error; but he can assure with truth that he has endeavored to do his full duty in the premises.” In conclusion Leeser writes: “The following kind critique of the work is contained in the July number of the Princeton review edited by the Reverend Charles Hodge of the Presbyterian Church, the only journalist to whom a presentation copy was furnished.” Condition: normal aging; slightest fading, but all easily readable. Some light stain / fading marks on the outer right edge and centerfold weak with partial tear through it and some fading with yellowish spotting only along the centerfold, but everything easily readable. The work on this famous translation required almost two full years of Leeser’s time. It was not until late in 1853 (the date of its copyright) that it finally went to the printer and it was not available for sale until 1855. Although its success depended primarily on acceptance amongst Jews, this Leeser translation received warm, welcome praise from Christian scholars as well. It did cause some criticism and dissention on the part of several reform Jewish rabbis, but drew high praise from scholars and clergymen in the broader American community. The Presbyterian minister Charles Hodge applauded Leeser’s work and called for “…a work on a similar plan from a competent Christian scholar.” (Accompanied with photostats from “Isaac Leeser and the Making of American Judaism” by L. J. Sussman (1995) with discussion of the book’s publishing, acceptance and critiques.
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