1st edition. Original illustrated publisher's boards, 8vo, xxii, (2), 17-518, (1), (1 blank).Illustrated With Maps and Numerous Engravings. English interspersed with Hebrew. Frontispiece portrait of author, foldout maps of Land of Israel, lithographed views of Holy Places. Singerman 1161. The nineteenth century saw a dramatic growth in interest in the Holy Land due to new directions in Bible studies and the growing popularity of visiting the region. This renewed attention was reflected in the expanding body of literature of geographies and travelogues. One such Hebrew work was Joseph Schwarz's Tevuot ha-Aretz, published in Jerusalem in 1845. When Schwarz visited the United States, four years later, as a rabbinical emissary from the Holy Land he arranged for Isaac Leeser to translate and publish Tevuot ha-Aretz. When it appeared the following year as this work, "A Descriptive Geography and Brief Historical Sketch of Palestine," it was recognized as one of the most important Jewish works published in America up to that time. Leeser proudly stated in his introduction: "The execution of the whole (book] is the work of Jewish writers and artists, the drawings being executed by Mr. S. Shuster, a lithographer belonging to our Nation." Leeser further expressed his hope that the publication of the volume might "extend the knowledge of Palestine, and also to enkindle sympathy and kind acts for those of our brothers, who cling to the soil of our ancestors." Isaac Leeser was an American rabbi, educator, and author, founder of the Jewish press of America. "Leeser participated in all Jewish movements. He was the earnest promoter of all the national enterprises-the first congregational union, the first Hebrew day-schools, the first Hebrew college, the first Jewish publication society-and of numberless local undertakings. [His monthly magazine] "The "Occident" acquired a national and even an international reputation; the Maimonides' College, of which he was president, paved the way for future Jewish colleges in the United States; and his translation of the Bible became an authorized version for the Jews of America. " (JE) An ex-library copy in later boards with more staining sold in 2019 at auction for over $6800. Our copy with original publisher's decorated boards, lacking the first map but all other plates and maps present. Wear to boards, especially at spine, Good Condition over all. (AMR-57-11A)
