The field of book collecting has been discovered to be as old as the phenomenon of print itself. There are collectors whose collections have been known for their importance for hundreds of years, such as that of Rabbi David Oppenheim, whose library is presently preserved in the Bodleian library. In this collection, there is a hidden, almost completely unfamiliar facet of the Hebrew book: the early advertising and “public relations” done for the sefer before its release – so that there would be enough buyers to fund the book’s printing and cover related expenses. This collection contains three advertising leaflets for sefarim , all unknown in the Bibliographiah .
* “Moda’at Zot B’Kol HaAretz” – advertisement by the printer Naftali Hertz Grossman of Lvov for a printing of Na”ch with Ivri Teitch (“HaMaggid”). [Lvov, 1808].
Inter alia , the printer mentions a historic detail about the relationship between the Hebrew printers and the authorities: “Now that twenty-three of the twenty-four dlatot are completed, an order has come from the high authority not to print any book in Ivri Teitch translation, the vernacular of Jews in this country. With much chessed , it was permitted this time …” Details of the types of printing follow: two kinds of paper, high-quality and simple, with their different prices; payment methods and how to receive the sefarim . Next is a list of agents throughout Polish cities who accept signatures from subscribers.
The “HaMaggid” edition of Na”ch printed by this printer in 1808 is known, hence the dating.
[1] leaf paper, printed on one side. 21×18 cm. Slightly cropped at the bottom.
* “Notice to Subscribers” – announcement in Hebrew, Ladino and German regarding printing the Babylonian Talmud. Vienna, 1860.
The printer writes that there are three types of prints: ” Shreib paper” – standard leaves, ” ReguI paper” – thick leaves, and a third kind, especially rare: ” Frocht paper” – print on a chromo-type leaf. Clarification with the expert scholar R’ Cheski Sofer reveals that there are indeed copies such as these known today. They are uncommonly magnificent and quite heavy. This rare advertisement indeed proves that this type of copy cost almost twice the price of a standard copy.
[1] leaf paper, printed on both sides. 23×17 cm.
* Moda’at Zot B’Chol HaAretz” – advertising leaflet from the renowned author Meir Lettris about his book Ben Avuyah . Vienna, 1863.
The book itself was printed in 1865.
[1] double leaf paper, [4] printed leaves. 23 cm.
Total of [3] leaves.
Overall fine condition; one leaf is in moderate condition. Wear, stains and tears, primarily in the margins.