Description
Content: This single volume brings together two highly influential collections of popular Chassidic storytelling: Kehal Chassidim (קהל חסידים – "Assembly of the Pious") and Sipurei Anshei Shem (סיפורי אנשי שם – "Stories of Famous People"). These anthologies feature wondrous hagiographic tales, ethical teachings, and oral folklore surrounding the Baal Shem Tov (הבעש"ט), his early disciples, and other prominent righteous figures (צדיקים).
Language & Typography: Printed entirely in Yiddish using traditional Rabbinic/Rashi typeface, making it an essential specimen for collectors of pre-war Eastern European Jewish folklore preserved in the post-war era.
Origin and Date: The title page indicates this volume was published in Tel Aviv in 1959 (תשי"ט) by the famed Sinai Publishing House. It is an authentic post-war facsimile edition that utilized the original 1910 printing plates from David Balaban’s famous Lemberg (Lwów) edition, perfectly maintaining the historic layout, typeface, and decorative borders.
Notable Connection: Printed during the peak period of post-war Jewish cultural reconstruction in Israel, this 1959 edition represents the deliberate effort by Sinai Publishing to rescue, preserve, and regenerate Chassidic folklore and the Yiddish language for survivors of the Holocaust.
Condition report:
Status: Fair to Good Vintage Condition.
Binding Integrity (CRITICAL NOTE): The spine piece is completely loose and has separated from the text block, as shown in the images. The front cover remains attached but is quite weak at the hinge. The book requires careful handling and would highly benefit from professional restoration or rebinding to ensure its long-term preservation.
Cover: Features the original red/maroon textured cloth hardcover with gold-embossed lettering on the front. Shows visible scuffing, rubbing, and wear along the corners and edges.
Interior: The pages are generally clean, crisp, and fully present. Exhibits light to moderate age-toning typical of the paper quality of the 1950s era. The text remains entirely clear and legible.
