The Book of Memories/ Sefer Ha-Zikaron [SIGNED & INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR]
New York/ Chicago [Printed in St. Louis]: Farlag Yidin, 1932. First edition. Hardcover. Oblong 16mo. 128pp. 64ppp. 28pp. 19pp. Textured red cloth boards with gilt lettering and tooling on the front cover. Printed in perpendicular orientation to its binding, in a style similar to a calendar (bound at the top). Floral endpapers. Illustrated title page by Sol Nodel (1912 - 1976). Inscribed and signed by the author in Yiddish on the title page. This scarce work is a comprehensive chronicle and history of the religious and social-cultural institutions of the Jewish community of St. Louis, Missouri from 1836-1932. The work is divided into four parts, each with its own pagination. The first part of the text is comprised of the preface and forward, as well as a discussion of the religious institutions (i.e. synagogues and congregations). The second part discusses welfare and charitable organizations. The third section is concerned with other miscellaneous Jewish social organizations and cultural activities, including newspapers, labor organizations and Zionist groups. The final section is comprised of a directory of individuals associated with said institutions (19 pages). The book includes b/w photographic reproductions throughout, and a few small b/w woodcut vignette tail and headpieces. Text printed throughout in English and Yiddish, in a parallel two column format. A fascinating and valuable piece of Judeo-Americana.
Binding with some light stains to the covers. Spine lightly chipped at the head and tail, with some rubbing to the hinges. Light rubbing to corners. Some light marginal smudges to pages throughout. Rear endpapers lightly chipped. Book block reinforced with Japan tissue at the gutter of the interior rear cover. Binding in good, interior in very good- condition overall. Protected in modern mylar. Scarce. g to vg-. Item #50637
Hebrew title: ספר הזכרון
Alternate title: History of St. Louis Jewish Institutions (cover).
Price: $1,250.00