2009-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/31/2009
on a subject that always adds a fascination (often an obsession) for human beings over the centuries: DEMONOLOGY AND WITCHCRAFT! Although unsigned there is no doubting its authenticity as an original manuscript by Leeser (with copies of various authentic writings/letters of Leeser's that accompany it to readily verify genuineness). Presumed his original notes for a rebuttal of those subjects that were later published in his "OCCIDENT" or the basis for a subsequent sermon (and likely the longest original manuscript of Leeser's to come to light or to be offered) apparently written circa 1830, prior to publication of first issue of the Occident). Leeser has titled it in three lines at top of page 1 "LETTERS ON DEMONOLOGY AND WITCHCRAFT ADDRESSED TO J. G. LOCKHART BY SIR WALTER SCOTT…J & J HARPER, NEW YORK, 1830" (Lockhart the noted British biographer of Scott.) Leeser's title tends to be misleading as this is not a copy of an article by the publishers "Harpers" and obvious upon reading that neither is it an article written by Scott or one merely copied by Leeser. Rather, it is noticeably LEESER'S CRITIQUE OF THAT ARTICLE, setting before the reader, at great length, a well presented and explained, logical reasoned discourse about those absorbing, controversial and philosophical subjects (all of which are covered extensively in all major Jewish encyclopedias and numerous other Judaic studies). Leeser frequently references and mentions Judaism and Judaic beliefs…and of course, disputes the reality of both subjects; yet allowing for their historical association with all religions. Upon reading the manuscript, it is obvious that Leeser's commentary is primarily about an article written by Walter Scott; Leeser mentions him frequently in the third person (i.e. "…after further remarks, he continues…" and "…as Sir Walter remarks…mankind cannot divest themselves of the idea" with Leeser admonishing himself for having "strayed into this digression…by the strangeness of the subject, is now time we return to the work of Sir Walter" and other similar remarks throughout). In his closing paragraph, Leeser writes: "But enough; we fear having almost said too much on a subject which to many may seem uninteresting, yet if they examine their own minds, we doubt not they will excuse us for having devoted so much space to that, which to us always had something very exciting in it, and which certainly deserves the attention of every thinker, as it relates, to use Sir Walter's words 'to a dark chapter in the history of man', and of the influence of which very few are yet altogether exempt. Let them disguise their feeling as they may. Perhaps there may come a time, when superstition shall not be known, but we fear before this happens we shall have ceased to be active with a mortal inhabitance of this delightful earth." Includes quite a few minor corrections and/or changes and even a few altered and additional wordage… all in Leeser's hand. Condition is Exc.+, showing normal aging. A unique insight into Leeser's thoughts on two arresting subjects and a remarkable American Judaica rarity…
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