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Ink stain on title page. First book about Jerusalem published in Jerusalem & first travelogue of the Holy Land published in Jerusalem. Published in Jerusalem, when it was under the regime of the Sultan Abdul Maagid. [3 leaves] + 60 numbered leaves. ONE MORE LEAF than in other copies I have seen or know of. Even Vinograd's Bibliography list only 2 preliminary leaves. Text in Hebrew. Title page illustrated with a woodcut of the Holy City of Jerusalem and the Western Wall. FIRST EDITION OF THE FIRST BOOK ABOUT JERUSALEM PUBLISHED IN JERUSALEM This book was "written specifically for the edification of the Jews in the Diaspora," so that they might begin to know what the Holy Land was like and how it was situated in relation to the Bible. A proper travel guide, it includes complete descriptions of Israel and Jerusalem, the holy cities, villages and important gravesites. The physical geography of each region is detailed in a manner that includes natural elements such as hills and caves, and their place in history. The commentary is presented from a spiritual, religious viewpoint that emphasizes the sacred significance of each location. Sections include: I. Cities and Holy Places along the Mediterranean coast; II. Tzfat and the Upper Galilee; III. Tiberias, Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee; IV. Graves of Simeon bar Yochai and Hillel the Elder; V. Shechem, Grave of Joseph; VI. Jerusalem, Mt. Zion, The City Walls and Gates, The Mount of Olives, Graves of the Kings of Judah; VII. The Temple Mount, Western Wall; VIII. Rachel's Tomb, Hebron, Makhpela and surrounding villages; IX. Trans Jordan, Syria, Babylonia, Mt. Sinai and Egypt, Holy Places and Famous sites; X. Essay on the Salvation of Israel. This book represents the first attempt by the residents of Jerusalem to convey to Diaspora Jewry the significance of Jerusalem and its holy places and to link the global Jewish community spiritually and physically to the Land of Israel. A highly important historic work. Shoshana Halevi, Hebrew Books Published in Jerusalem, 22. Title page has signatures by previous owners, including: Leyzer David Katz of Pressburg, and others. Seller Inventory # 004860
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