2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
GRACE AGUILAR (1816-1847) Jewish historian, author and novelist on Jewish history and religion, poet. A branch of the New York public library was specifically named in her honor ! Four page, neatly penned letter entirely in her hand, with full autograph signature; to ISAAC LEESER, who, but one year earlier had edited and advised her on the publication of the most important of all her works: “THE SPIRIT OF JUDAISM.” From her home in the “Hackney” section of London, June 29, 1843: “…I write to you… because I am anxious to forward you two poems by the same post and for the same postage… Thank you for the first issue of your periodical which my brother brought me… I do not know whether you sent any (others) with it and also let me thank you for the very gratifying notice [and] justice with which you introduce my little poem “The Chambers of the Dying” in your December number. I trust the poems I send may prove readable and acceptable. The intent of both is to bring us closer to the Gracious savior of Israel (than is often unhappily the case with our nation). They place Him at a distance. I never think of deriving comfort from the fact that He knows and loves us better then our dearest friends on earth and feels and shares every pang his love inflicts. The hour of peace is simply to rob death of its gloom. Oh, that immortality were more thought of amongst us then it is ! I regret not yet having had time to read your periodical with sufficient attention to pass an opinion upon it. You have, however, my very best wishes for its success as its design is phrase worthy and the labor to yourself must, I think, be very great. My father begs I deliver you his regards and our thanks for the detailed account of the books which your last favor contained. I trust ere this, you will have received some returns from the different places to which they have been sent. In Jamaica and St. Thomas I know they have had some sale as that fact has traveled to us in England. I do not much understand business myself, so the slowness of payment appears to me rather strange. You are right in supposing gain was not any object in publishing the work…but yet I am not rich or even independent enough, not to feel anxious to receive that which, if the books or even some of them are sold at the places to which they have been sent, must be my due, an anxiety which I have no doubt you can understand; but I know it is not in your favor to remedy it. You will oblige me greatly by urging your agents to a settlement for those they have sold. With regard to Dr. Channings [?] books… I should like much to have them. Do not procure them [until] you can pay yourself from any money you may have to transmit to me… forwarding them by the first opportunity. Trusting this letter will find you in good health and prospering in all your undertakings.” Grace Aguilar (1816-1847) as a 24 year old aspiring Jewish author was captivated by Leeser’s sermons and wrote to him in 1840 after reading his two volume “Discourses” and asked him to serve as her literary mentor…which he accepted, subsequently editing, annotating and publishing several of her works, the first being her famous “The Spirit of Judaism” in 1842, for which he wrote the “Editor’s Preface”…Hence, this letter, written less then a year after the initial publication of that famous work, in which Miss Aguilar is expressing interest and concern about the business arrangements for distribution and sale of the book, and seeking counsel from Leeser as to preceding with other writing projects, some of which she mentions. Significant background information about Leeser’s involvement with the publishing Aguilar’s first and most important work, and directly relating to the facts she writes about in this letter are to be found in “Isaac Leeser and the Making of American Judaism” (by L.J. Sussman, 1995).
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