2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
Extremely rare, possibly the only known copy of an unrecorded “PHILADELPHIA, FEB., 1896” dated four page (8 ½ x 11) broadside: “TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE TO BE PUBLISHED BY THE JEWISH PUBLICATION SOCIETY OF AMERICA…INSTRUCTIONS TO THE TRANSLATORS.” Seal of society in center with names of editor (Rev. M. Jastrow) and the “Revision Committee.” The two page centerfold opens: “The new translation of the Bible has been undertaken with the object of obtaining a version of the Holy Scriptures, which, while taking full account of the results of modern research, shall be characterized by the simplicity of a book to be used in the home and at public worship. As the Jew considers the original text alone invested with authority, it should be our aim to approach it as nearly as possible, and for that purpose we should avail ourselves of the extensive fund of traditional and philological interpretations in our possession.” Then follows in detail their plans for the publication and what they intend to achieve. The back page two column listing of “LIST OF THOSE INVITED TO COOPERATE” itemizing the various chapters and sections of the Bible next to which is the name of a Jewish scholar who will handle the translation of that particular section. Lightest normal aging; Condition exc. +. (Note: reader’s / collector’s attention is referred to HCA catalog Nov. 17, 2005 (item 585) in which the adjunct to this rare four page broadside was listed, described and sold. That particular copy, dated July 16, 17, 1896 although similar in format on title page was the “Amendment and Additions” to this earlier February, 1896 four page “Instructions to the translators” and should not be confused with it.) … ACCOMPANYING THIS VERY RARE FOUR PAGE BROADSIDE: single page letter on printed letterhead of the J.P.S. (which includes names of officers, including that of “Mayer Sulzberger / Chairman Publication Committee”) June 17, 1896 written to Judge Sulzberger. In the penned hand of a secretary and bearing original bold penned signature of Rabbi M. Jastrow, the Editor for that translation of the Bible. He writes: I beg leave to send you a copy of our correspondence with the contemplated English contribution to the Bible translation to direct your attention to the explanatory letter to Dr. Adler, which accompanied the Instructions. The fact that this letter was not placed before the gentlemen who signed the collective letter of delineation can only be accounted for by an oversight on the part of the secretary to Dr. Adler, for it was enclosed…with the Instructions. A second copy of his letter was in the hands of the Chief Rabbi…whether the signers were informed of his explanatory letter I have no means of ascertaining. It will seen that Mr. Joseph Jacobs at the time of his writing…was not aware of its existence. …Kindly undertake to convince Mr. Jacobs that nothing was neglected on our part to show our English brethren that our making the Leeser Bible the working basis for our enterprise was not intended to fetter the hands of the contributors in any way.” Minor aging. Exc. Both this printed broadside and signed letter represent a remarkably rare and significant Judaica duo!................................
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.