Jewish Mysticism by Martin Buber, 1931 First Edition, Ex Libris B. J. Morse, British Scholar & Poet

JEWISH MYSTICISM AND THE LEGENDS OF BAALSHEM.

By Professor Martin Buber. Being a selection of his work entitled "Die Chassidischen Bücher."

Translated from the German by Lucy Cohen.

First Published in English 1931 by J. M. Dent and Sons, London and Toronto. 

Buber uses Hasidic tales to explore Jewish mystical experience, how divine presence is encountered in everyday life. The role of the tzaddik embodied in the Baalshem as a channel of spiritual vitality. Inner transformation, the idea that joy, humility, and devotion open the path to God. The power of legend, stories as vehicles of spiritual truth rather than historical record. His narrative blends folklore, theology, and philosophy, aiming to reveal the inner meaning of Hasidic spirituality rather than its external history.

This edition previously owned by Benjamin Joseph Morse, often credited as B. J. Morse. He had a distinguished career as a British Scholar, Critic, and Poet, specialising in Italian and German Literature. He was made a Knight of the Italian Republic in 1966. A notable translator of Poetry, especially Rilke, whom he references multiple times during his extensive annotations throughout this book. On the first end paper he writes how this book seems to have been read by Rilke and to have exercised a widespread influence on him.

CONDITION:

Please view all listing photographs for the best understanding of condition. There are various signs of age, use and wear. The blue cloth hard cover is shelf worn, boards edges and corners rubbed, spots of wear dotted about the surface. Front board has pale circle stain on bottom right corner. Spine darkened/sunned, head and tale worn and bumped. Gilt title on spine a little faded. Binding slightly cocked with minor forward lean. Hinges/joints holding well, gutter cracked a little in parts but remains firm. B. J. Morse bookplate glued to front paste down. Ink and pencil notes written throughout, first two end pages filled. Pencil underlining, marking and margin notes dotted about. Two ink stamped B. J. Morse on title page. Text block generally yellowed/age toned, some foxing and ghosting to the first and last few pages in particular. All text legible. Contents complete with no loose or missing pages. Page edges a little foxed, top edge coloured blue. 

Overall the book remains in acceptable reading condition. A fascinating insight into Jewish Mysticism, scarce 1st edition, interestingly annotated by B. J. Morse.

The book measures 14cm x 19cm.

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