Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters & Graphic Art
By Kestenbaum & Company
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Jun 22, 2017
Brooklyn, NY, United States
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LOT 25:
(AMERICAN-JUDAICA).
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Sold for: $2,800
Estimated price :
$
800 - $1,200
Buyer's Premium: 25%
sales tax: 8.875%
On commission only
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Israelitische Volks-Bibliothek. Deutsch-Amerikanische Skizzen für jüdische Auswanderer und Nichtauswander.
First Edition. The copy of the philosopher Hermann Cohen (1842-1918). pp. 108. Modern wrappers. 12mo.
Oskar Leiner, Leipzig : 1857.
Anonymous travelogue by a German Jew who arrived in America in 1853.
The author begins by describing his journey from Europe and although does not specifically explain why he left Germany, he looked to America for the religious freedom lacking in his homeland. His writing style indicates an educated upbringing, both yeshiva-trained and secular. His religious orientation may be characterized as neo-Orthodox, welcoming reform, but not if simply to ape American Christian society. He surveys here the position of women, rabbinic leadership, religious piety and provides an in-depth analysis of various American congregations. He notes with discomfort the atmosphere of overt material pursuit, but ultimately enjoys America for its democratic ethic and equal treatment of all.
See G. Greenberg, A German-Jewish Immigrant’s Perception of America, 1853-1854 in: American Jewish Historical Quarterly, LXVII, 4 (June, 1978) pp. 307-41.
