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Judaica and Hasidic Books and Manuscripts

Lot 35:

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Toldot Chachmei Israel (2 Volumes in 1) – Kalman Schulman

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Start price: £100

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Description

This lot features a significant historical and biographical work by the prominent Hebrew writer Kalman Schulman. This volume contains two distinct parts of the series bound together in a single deluxe binding.

  • Author: Kalman Schulman (קלמן שולמן)
  • Content: The work provides a comprehensive history of the greatest Jewish sages, scholars, and literary figures from the earliest rabbinic periods through the middle ages. Schulman was a master of the Hebrew language, and this work served as a cornerstone of the Haskalah (Jewish Enlightenment), bringing historical scholarship to the Hebrew-reading public.
  • Publication Details:
    • Part I: Printed in Vilna, 1879 (תרל"ט) by the Widow and Brothers Romm.
    • Part II: Printed in Vilna, 1884 (תרמ"ד) by the same renowned press.
  • Pagination: 
    • Vol I: Title page, 5 (numbered ii-x), 126 pages.
    • Vol II: 2 title pages, 2 (numbered iv-xi), 102 pages.
  • Notable Connection: Kalman Schulman was one of the most influential figures of the Vilna Haskalah. He is credited with modernizing the Hebrew language by using it to describe global geography and history, essentially creating the first "best-sellers" for the modern Hebrew reader. His works were so popular that they were found in almost every Jewish home in Eastern Europe during the late 19th century.



Condition report:

The book is in good overall condition and is housed in an attractive modern cream binding with gold-embossed lettering on the spine.


Replacements: The first title page of Volume I and the final leaf of Volume II are high-quality printed copies of the originals.

Specific Wear: The second title page features a tear at the top, though no text is missing. The interior pages show typical age-toning and occasional light staining consistent with a work of this age.