Subject: Jewish American literature

An 1803 Farmer's Almanac containing a short humorous anecdote about two Jews. This early American printing of a Jewish joke is described as "a nice harmless little anecdote" appearing under the heading "Poetry & Anecdotes" on the fourth full page from the end, at the bottom. The almanac's text is found within a larger volume.

One-page acrostic poem in Hebrew, written by Isaac Goldstein, honoring Abraham Lincoln. The poem is an acrostic where each line begins with a letter of Lincoln's name. The manuscript, measuring 4 3/4 x 5 1/2 inches, is undated but is circa 1863 based on contextual information. It was later published in the Jewish Messenger on May 25, 1865. The poem was part of the Rail Splitter Auction, Sale 11, September 2006, lot 939.

First edition of *Ben Israel; or, From Under the Curse: A Jewish Play in Five Acts*, by Edward Tullidge. This is the first known play written by a Gentile in America and dedicated to American Jews. Published in 1875.

A children's book published by the Hebrew Publishing Company in New York City in 1914. The book is bilingual, in English and Hebrew, and features illustrations. Ruth Engel inscribed the book with the message: "If this book gets off its track give it a kick; and send it back." The date of inscription is February 23, 1914. The book's condition is described as "graet crude".

Manuscript draft of an article titled "Connexion of Science and Revelation," later published in Isaac Leeser's *Occident* (5:1) in April 1847. Written by Solomon da Silva Solis, the manuscript explores the perceived conflict and eventual harmony between scientific discoveries and biblical accounts of creation. The draft discusses the evolving interpretations of biblical timelines in light of advancements in geology and astronomy. Includes biographical information about the author.

First edition of "Dreamers of the Ghetto," published by Harper Brothers in 1898. The provided description indicates this is a first edition.

This is a copy of the 1869 printing of Isaac Leeser's *Form of Prayers*, specifically the single-volume daily prayer book. This edition, printed by Slote & Mooney, is notable for being published the year after Leeser's death (February 1868). The 5629 (1869) publication date suggests a possible business opportunity for the printer to produce the book without paying royalties to Leeser's estate.

First edition of *Gotham and the Gothamites: A Medley*, a versified satire by Samuel Benjamin Helbert Judah, directed against prominent New York citizens. Published in 1823. This copy includes the suppressed pages xxi-xxiv, which are absent in most copies. Judah was indicted for libel and imprisoned, later pardoned. This work is considered significant as an early contribution to American literature by a Jewish author. Information on similar copies sold at auction is included in the original description. Approximately 15 copies are known to exist.

An ice water pitcher and stand, featuring an inscribed dedication. Accompanying archival materials include notes from a book for sale by Irv Unger describing a poem, "Antietam," read by Surgeon Nathan Mayer at the dedication of a monument in 1894. The poem commemorates the Sixteenth Connecticut Regiment's service at the Battle of Antietam in 1862. Additional notes mention Mayer's novel, *Differences* (1867), described as the first American Jewish novel with literary merit. A seminar announcement from November 15, 2005, details a presentation on Nathan Mayer's life and work.

This book is a collection of poetry by Adah Isaacs Menken, published posthumously in 1868. The collection includes poems with Jewish themes, reflecting Menken's fervent Jewish identity in her adult life. Menken was a celebrated actress known for her role in the equestrian melodrama *Mazeppa*, and she actively engaged in Jewish causes, advocating for the rights of Jews and protesting anti-Semitic incidents.

This book, compiled by Isabel Cohen, is a collection of legends and tales in prose and verse. Published by the Jewish Publication Society (JPS) around 1905, it notably includes an early poem by Emma Lazarus. A bookplate indicates its later presence in the Miriam Schonfield Memorial Library in Pittsburgh, dated April 4, 1940.

One-page letter dated April 6, 1830, from David Judah in Richmond, Virginia, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Judah offers advice to Leeser regarding the publication of Leeser's book, "Instructions in the Mosaic Religion," expressing concern about its potential impact on Leeser's career and suggesting a change in publication format.

This one and one-half page letter, dated June 25, 1829, was written by David Judah in Richmond, Virginia, to Isaac Leeser in Baltimore, Maryland. Judah expresses reservations about the draft of Leeser's first book, "Instructions in the Mosaic Religion," offering strong suggestions for improvement before publication. The letter highlights Judah's concern for Leeser's reputation and provides insightful advice on the writing process, emphasizing the importance of thorough revision and seeking feedback from competent individuals. The letter also provides context to the relationship between the two men and is part of a larger collection spanning 1826-1831 and 1848-1849. Additional information includes a reference to the Richmond Enquirer (VA) dated July 5, 1822, containing an advertisement for a Jewish-owned business with David Judah listed as a principal. David Judah is also identified as an auctioneer who dealt in slaves.

A single-page letter written by Leopold Weiskopf in Charleston, South Carolina on May 28, 1868, to the estate of Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Weiskopf disputes a bill for a subscription to Leeser's *The Occident*, stating he only subscribed the previous year. He requests the bill and asks that the publication be stopped due to financial constraints. A penciled notation by the estate reads, “send bill as above / W.B.H.” The letter is referenced in *The Jews of South Carolina* by B. A. Elzas (1905), noting Weiskopf's service with Company D of the South Carolina Regiment of Reserves.

One-page letter from Lewis Abraham in Cincinnati, Ohio to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated May 18, 1847. The letter pertains to business matters related to *The Occident*, a prominent 19th-century American Jewish periodical.

Typed letter from Yiddish author and playwright Sholem Asch to Marshall Anspach, dated October 28, 1943, from Stamford, Connecticut. Asch thanks Anspach for a book. The letter is written on Asch's personal stationery and includes the original envelope.

Newspaper clipping from the *New-York Mirror*, March 28, 1835, featuring an editorial piece titled "A Day at Carthage." The clipping is from Volume F, Page 20 of the archival collection.

Printed in New York by Southwick and Pelsue in 1820, this book, *Selections of a Father for the Use of His Children*, is considered the first children's book written by a Jew in America. Authored by Isaac Gomez Jr. (1768-), it contains 408 pages and includes a testimonial by M. M. Noah. This particular copy features an approbation by President John Adams pasted on page [iv]. The book includes a preface to a selection from Shakespeare's *Merchant of Venice*, where Gomez defends his religion and clarifies the historical inaccuracies regarding Shylock's portrayal. It is noted for its significance in the history of American Jewish literature, representing one of the earliest literary efforts by American Jews. This work also contains one Jewish-related selection on pages 326-329. References include Singerman 322 and Rosenbach 209.

This volume is the first edition of a Charleston literary anthology published in 1845 by Samuel Hart. It features contributions from various local authors, including notable Jewish writers Penina Moise and Isaac Harby, alongside other prominent figures such as Washington Allston and Joel Roberts Poinsett. Moise's contributions include poems on Jewish themes, reflecting her role as superintendent of Charleston's first Jewish religious school. Harby, a reformer in Charleston Judaism, also contributed to the anthology.

Pamphlet containing the first play published by Mordecai Manuel Noah, though it was never produced. Published in New York City in 1808. This is considered Noah's first published work and the first play written by a Jew in the United States. Approximately 12 copies are known to exist. Exhibited at the Museum of the City of New York's Jewish History Exhibit from May to December 2005. Information from Kestenbaum 6/23/2016 Auction and Singerman 148.

First edition of Nathan Mayer's novel, *The Last of the Asmoneans*, published in Cincinnati in 1859 by Bloch & Co., Office of The Israelite. This 113-page 8vo volume, bound in modern boards, is foxed. The novel is set in ancient Judea during the reign of King Herod. Isaac Mayer Wise, in his *The World of My Books*, notes Mayer's contribution to American Jewish literature, stating that Mayer's writing relieved Wise of the need to continue producing Jewish fiction in English. The book is considered rare and is not included in Singerman's bibliography. Mayer, a physician active in Cincinnati's Jewish community in the mid-1850s, served as a surgeon in the Civil War and his experiences are reflected in this somewhat autobiographical novel. He was known as the “Most versatile Jewish Soldier in the War Between the States,” serving in the 11th Connecticut Infantry and participating in battles such as Antietam, South Mountain, and Fredericksburg.

Two-volume collection of poems by Emma Lazarus, including narrative, lyric, and dramatic works, as well as translations of Jewish poems. This is the first edition published after her death. The collection contains a variety of poetic forms and themes, reflecting Lazarus's engagement with both American and Jewish cultural contexts. Published after 1887.

This volume contains poetry in German by Isidor Kalisch, a Prussian-born rabbi residing in Detroit, Michigan. Published in 1865, it represents an early example of Midwestern Judaica and is possibly the first book of poetry published by a Jewish man in America, preceded only by a few Jewish women. WorldCat lists four copies of this rare work.