Sefer Toldot Ya’akov Yosef – Korets, 1780 – First Edition – First Chassidic Book Printed

Sefer Toldot Ya’akov Yosef – Korets, 1780 – First Edition – First Chassidic Book Printed
Sefer Toldot Ya’akov Yosef on the Torah, in Chassidic style. Rabbi Ya’akov Yosef HaKohen of Polana . Korets, [1780]. Printing press of Tzvi Hirsch son of Aryeh Leib [Margaliot] and son-in-law Shmuel son of Yissachar Ber Segal.
First Chassidic book printed. Composed by Rabbi Ya’akov Yosef HaKohen of Polana, prominent disciple of the Ba’al Shem Tov and pioneer spreader of Chassidism. This book is the most prominent and authentic source of the Torah of the Ba’al Shem Tov, in which the author cites in over 280 instances Torah sayings which he himself heard from his rabbi [throughout the book, in each instance he emphasizes the words “I have heard from my mentor”].
Giants of Chassidism acclaimed the holiness of the book; Rabbi Pinchas of Korets stated that a book of this caliber is unprecedented, and that his Torah is divine. The Maggid of Mezritch noted that the author of the book merited the revelation of Eliyahu and has attained supremely high achievements.
In Shem HaGedolim, the Chida (Ma’arechet Sfarim 90, clause 29) states: “The righteous Rabbi Ya’akov Yosef…”.
During the course of the battle in opposition of Chassidim, the first edition was publicly burnt in the city of Brody and in other cities, thereby resulting in the rarity of this edition.
Copy in good condition, title page missing and replaced with photocopy on old paper. 206 leaves. 30.5 cm. Good condition. Stains, mildew stains. Majority of leaves undamaged. Tear on corner of first leaf with damage to text, artistically restored with photocopy in same color as original leaf. First three leaves and several last leaves contain restored tears and moth damage, with damage to text. New elegant leather binding, worn.
Stefansky Chassidut no. 605.