2009-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/31/2009
First edition of his famous work, the huge single volume "THE TWENTY-FOUR BOOKS OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES: carefully translated according to the Massoretic text on the basis of the English version, after the best Jewish authorities…with short explanatory notes by Isaac Leeser." Published Phila. 5614 (1853/1854) by Leeser; printed by L. Johnson & Co./Phila. (Singerman Biblio No. 1271). 1,011 pages; large 8 ½ x 11; weight 7 lbs. Original glossed, black leather bound heavy board covers. Text and pages, title all exc.; just some minor, very light aging (mostly on the edges of margins, but very sound). Leather covers normal scuffing; front cover loose and worthy of repair. An interesting feature are the original four additional (unnumbered) rear pages (as specified in Singerman 1271) with fancy printed borders and headings "FAMILY RECORD" and (respectively) "Marriages; Births; Deaths." Each of those pages is filled by various family members over following years, with long records of the man and family that owned and used the bible and whose autograph is actually signed on front flyleaf "J. E. HYNEMAN."A number of original newspaper clippings about the family (including J. E. Hyneman's lengthy obituary). Accompanying this are photostats from "The Jews of Phila." (Morais; 1894) with fine bio sketch of Jacob Ezekiel Hyneman who achieved a distinguished military record in the Civil War, in continual combat (including Chancellorsville and Gettysburg); twice wounded and present at Lee's surrender; post-War also a fine military record, rising to colonel in Penna. Nat'l Guard. Skillful history of Leeser's research and publishing of this bible and its subsequent importance is read in "Isaac Leeser and the Making of American Judaism" by L. J. Sussman, 1995. (photostats accompany). Upon initial publication in 1854 this first edition was warmly welcomed and praised by Christian scholars, although receiving some disparaging critiques and remarks among the Jewish community (especially Reform). Gradually, following a few editions, it did win wide acceptance among the entire Jewish community. A work of historic significance to American Judaica and the life of its leading 19th century rabbi.
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