Koheleth America. Catalogue of Hebrew Books Printed in America from 1735-1925.
AUCTION 55 |
Thursday, June 21st,
2012 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts Autograph Letters, Graphic & Ceremonial Art
Lot 91
DEINARD, EPHRAIM.
Koheleth America. Catalogue of Hebrew Books Printed in America from 1735-1925.
St. Louis: Moinester Printing 1926
Est: $400 - $600
A singular work of exceptional significance to the understanding of the development of the Hebrew book in America. In addition to bibliographical information, Deinard offers his personal opinion on the quality of many of the books and their authors.
His anti-Chassidic bias is evident in many places for example no. 32, commenting on Eisenstadt’s Otzar HaTemunoth where he bemoans the fact the work includes images of Chassidic Rebbes, whom Deinard believes are more suited to be placed “in a zoo” - to which a former owner of this volume takes exception in an adjacent marginal note.