Maggid Devarav LeYaakov, Likutei Amarim, by the Maggid R. Dov Ber of Mezeritch (Mezhirichi). Korets: R. Tzvi Hirsh son of Aryeh Leib [Margolies] and son-in-law R. Shmuel son of Yissachar Ber Segal, [1781]. 
The title page reads: "The book Maggid Devarav LeYaakov [the last letters of "Maggid Devarav LeYaakov" are emphasized, alluding to the name of the author, R. Dov], selected discourses… pure sayings… hearken to the words of the king… from the great and holy Torah scholar… R. Dov Ber, who was a preacher in Mezeritch and other communities…".
This is the first book of the teachings of the Maggid, R. Dov Ber of Mezeritch, to be published, and the third Chassidic book to be printed, approximately a year following the printing of Toldot Yaakov Yosef and Ben Porat Yosef in the same printing press. 
The book was brought to press by R. Shlomo of Lutsk (author of Divrat Shlomo), close disciple and relative of the Maggid of Mezeritch. R. Shlomo wrote two comprehensive forewords to the book, which are renowned in the Chassidic world. The first portrays the elevated stature of his teachers, the Baal Shem Tov and the Maggid of Mezeritch, the Divine Inspiration which rested upon them and the lofty levels they reached. He characterizes the teachings of the Maggid as replete with allusions to writings of the Arizal and the Zohar, and describes the power his words had to enthuse his many listeners in their service of G-d. 
The foreword continues with an account of the Maggid's testimony on all the kabbalistic teachings and lofty secrets his teacher the Baal Shem Tov taught him, including the language of birds, Holy Names and teachings of the book Raziel. The author relates that the Maggid showed him in that book some names of angels, testifying that the Baal Shem Tov knew how to use those names to determine, in the month of Nissan each year, which celestial administrators were appointed to govern the world, in order to know how to handle them.
Further in the foreword, the publisher conveys his hesitancy to print the book, and his exchange with his teacher on the matter. When his teacher inquired as to why he refrains from writing down what he hears, he replied that he had seen some who record the rebbe's teachings, yet since their notes are based on their own understanding, they fall very short of the teacher's intent. The rebbe said to nevertheless record the teachings, assuring him that the results would be satisfactory.
These forewords were reprinted in his book Divrat Shlomo (Zhovkva, 1848). In an approbation the Chozeh of Lublin accorded his book, he relates to these forewords and writes: "His character has already become renowned through the foreword he composed for the book Likutei Amarim by our great master and teacher R. Dov Ber".
The foreword also contains facts regarding the compilation of the book. It reports that the book was composed by several writers, the main part being copied from the writings of R. Zev Wolf of Hrodna (Grodno). However, the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch was bearer of a tradition that the essay beginning with the words Olat Tamid (printed on p. 29a) was written by the Baal HaTanya when he was by the Maggid. 
The scholar Netanel Lederberg maintains that at least parts of the book were written by the maggid himself. In contrast, Dr. Rivka Schatz-Uffenheimer asserts that the primary writer was the Maggid's disciple, R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev (see: Lederberg, HaShaar LeAyin, pp. 309-311).
Over the years, a minor polemic regarding the attitude towards the book evolved between the Chatam Sofer and the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, concerning what is printed in this book about the Sefard and Arizal prayer-rite (p. 25b). The Chatam Sofer wrote in one of his responsa (Orach Chaim, section 16), that the book Likutei Amarim is not found in his community, but the passage quoted from it is like "the teachings of the sealed book". To which the Divrei Chaim responded at length (Responsa Divrei Chaim, II, Orach Chaim, section 8), writing that "the Chatam Sofer's displeasure at Likutei Amarim is unfounded, perhaps because its author is a Chassidic leader, his words did not enter his ears…", and that the Likutei Amarim didn't write this on his own accord, rather based on teachings of early scholars proficient in both revealed and hidden realms of the Torah.
Early stamp: "---Aryeh son of Menachem Mendel ----" and an undeciphered Oriental signature on title page. 
[4], 60 leaves. 18.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Traces of past dampness, with dark mildew stains. Tears to most leaves, with damage and loss of text (the entire book was professionally restored and the text was replaced in photocopy). Stamps and inscriptions. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 324.

Or Olam – Meir Netivim, two parts. Part I – responsa, Part II – pilpul, homily and allusions on the Torah, by R. Meir Margolies Rabbi of the Lviv region and Ostroh, a leading disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. Polonne, [1791-1792]. First edition. With the approbations of prominent Chassidic leaders – R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. Zusha of Annipoli and the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. Includes novellae by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, printed at the beginning of the book.
Two parts in two volumes. Copies owned by the grandsons of the author.
Signature on the title page of Part I: "…Yehoshua son of R. Betzalel Rabbi of Ostroh and the region" (R. Betzalel Rabbi of Ostroh was the son of the Meir Netivim, thus the signee is his grandson, see below). On p. 10a, adjacent to the page number, another signature of his: "[Ye]hoshua son of the great rabbi".
Ownership inscription (in pencil) on p. 91b: "This responsa book by the Meir Netivim belongs to R. Moshe Klarfeld, who was a commissioner in Derazhnya for twenty-eight years… as stated in his books…". In part II, p. 48a, there is a gloss with his signature (trimmed): "It also appears to me… to say… grandson of the [author], Moshe Kla[rfeld]".
The author, R. Meir Margolies (1700/1708-1790), a prominent rabbi in his times, was a leading disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, and one of the first to cleave to him, even before the Baal Shem Tov became famous. R. Meir is considered a "colleague-disciple" of the Baal Shem Tov and mentions him in several places as "my teacher" and "my friend". In his book Sod Yachin UBoaz (Ostroh, 1794), he writes of "my teachers, prominent in Torah and Chassidut, headed by my friend the pious R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… and from my youth, when I attached myself with bonds of love to my teacher and friend R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… I knew with absolute certainty that his conduct was in holiness and purity, piety and ascetism… occult matters were revealed to him…". His son R. Betzalel, who succeeded him as rabbi of Ostroh, writes in his approbation to the book Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov (Berdichev 1815 edition): "…as I heard from my father… who from his youth was part of the holy entourage of the Baal Shem Tov, and R. Meir would frequently speak in his praise…". See item 116 for an extended biography.
The Meir Netivim was a prolific author in both revealed and esoteric realms of the Torah, in halacha and in homily. After his passing, his writings were arranged and published by his sons. The series of his books was named Or Olam. This book – Meir Netivim, two parts, was his first book to be published. The book opens with enthusiastic approbations by prominent Chassidic leaders, including R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev, R. Zusha of Annipoli and the Ohev Yisrael of Apta. The foreword contains novellae by R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev on Tractate Pesachim. The sons of the author relate to this in the foreword (p. 4b), writing that they deemed it fitting to mention some of the Torah novellae of R. Levi Yitzchak, since he had a special affection for this holy composition. The final eight leaves of the book contain novellae on Tractate Berachot by the author's brother, R. Yitzchak Dov Ber Margolies Rabbi of Yazlovetz, close disciple of the Baal Shem Tov.
One of the signatories on this book is R. Yehoshua son of R. Betzalel Margolies, grandson of the author. He is unknown to the biographers of the Meir Netivim and his son R. Betzalel. These signatures are the first known mention of his name. He was presumably named after his mother's father – R. Yehoshua Rishver of Drohobitch (see: Mazkeret LiGedolei Ostroh, p. 273; Elef Margaliot, p. 28).
The second signatory, R. Moshe Eliezer HaKohen Klarfeld (son of R. Yosef HaKohen) of Derazhnya (Podolia), was a descendant of the Meir Netivim (presumably the grandson of one of his sons-in-law). He frequented the courts of the rebbes of Shtefanesht and Chortkov. In 1902, he edited and printed in Berdichev his grandfather's book Sod Yachin UBoaz. He also authored the book Sefiach Katzir (Berdichev 1902). At the end of the preface to his book, he writes about himself: "…and until now I have resided for twenty-eight years in Derazhnya, Podolia, near the railway lines, and I have trod these tracks for twenty-eight years for my livelihood, as a commissioner…". These words enlighten the contents of the ownership inscription here (in which the writer refers to this preface).
Two volumes. Part I: 30, 33-97 leaves (the leaf following the title page may have been supplied from a different copy). Part II: [1], 3-56 leaves. 31 cm. Good condition. Dampstains. Worming. Tears to title page of Part I and to subsequent leaf, repaired with paper. Tear to leaf 30 of Part I, affecting text. Upper margins of Part II trimmed, affecting headings of most pages, and affecting first line of text on leaves 45-46. New leather bindings.

Kotnot Or, the 613 commandments in rhyme and acrostics, by R. Meir Margolies Rabbi of the Lviv region and Ostroh, author of Meir Netivim, a leading disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. With the Shemen LaMaor HaGadol commentary, by his son R. Betzalel Margolies Rabbi of Ostroh (who added at the beginning of the book a special prayer which he composed, to be recited before saying the order of commandments). [Berditchev (Berdychiv): Shmuel son of Yissachar Ber Segal, 1816]. First edition.
Kotnot Or contains the order of the 613 commandments in poems, rhyme and acrostics. "Each commandment has three stanzas and each stanza three words". The section on positive commandments is named Kotnot Or, and the section on negative commandments, Or Torah. All the poems in the section of positive commandments are acrostics spelling out: "Meir son of the great luminary, outstanding in Torah and fear, R. Tzvi Hirsh" (in some poems, "renowned" replaces "outstanding"), whilst the poems in the section on negative commandments are acrostics of "Meir, small in wisdom and intellect". On the right-hand pages, twenty lines of rhymes are printed, one line per commandment.
A commentary to the rhymes, named Shemen LaMaor HaGadol, is printed at the foot of the right-hand pages and on the left-hand pages. This commentary was composed by the publisher and son of the author – R. Betzalel Margolies Rabbi of Ostroh. The publisher R. Betzalel, who also wrote a lengthy foreword to the book, suggests there to read every day one page containing twenty commandments, and he even printed at the beginning of the book a short supplication to recite before reading the commandments.
At the beginning of the book, a notice is printed, informing that due to the heavy costs of printing, the approbations were not printed, and only the names of those who accorded an approbation to the book are listed, including R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R. Zusha of Anipoli, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, the Ohev Yisrael of Apta, R. Yosef of Kaminka and others.
This book in the fifth part ("Fifth Light") of the Or Olam series, printed by the author's son R. Betzalel Margolies. The other parts of the series are: Responsa Meir Netivim, two parts – First Light and Second Light (Polonne, 1791-1792); Sod Yachin UBoaz – Third Light (Ostroh, 1794); and HaDerech HaTov VehaYashar – Fourth Light (Polonne, 1795). The titles of the Fourth Light and Fifth Light already appear on the title page of Sod Yachin UBoaz, printed some 22 years before this book.
The author, R. Meir Margolies (1700/1708-1790), a prominent rabbi in his times, was a leading disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, and one of the first to cleave to him, even before the Baal Shem Tov became famous. R. Meir is considered a "colleague-disciple" of the Baal Shem Tov and mentions him in several places as "my teacher" and "my friend". In his book Sod Yachin UBoaz (Ostroh, 1794), he writes of "my teachers, prominent in Torah and Chassidut, headed by my friend the pious R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… and from my youth, when I attached myself with bonds of love to my teacher and friend R. Yisrael Baal Shem Tov… I knew with absolute certainty that his conduct was in holiness and purity, piety and ascetism… occult matters were revealed to him…". His son R. Betzalel, who succeeded him as rabbi of Ostroh, writes in his approbation to the book Shivchei HaBaal Shem Tov (Berdichev 1815 edition): "…as I heard from my father… who from his youth was part of the holy entourage of the Baal Shem Tov, and R. Meir would frequently speak in his praise…". See item 116 for an extended biography.
Ownership inscription on title page: " This book belongs to R. Yaakov HaLevi of Kaminka".
34, [1] leaves. Approx. 22 cm. Greenish paper. Exceptionally wide margins (some uncut). Uneven edges. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Dampstains. Worming, some repaired, slightly affecting text. Small tears and creases to margins. New leather binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 247.

Rav Yeibi, ethical and Chassidic essays and aggadic novellae on the Torah, Tehillim and Talmudic aggadot, and novellae on several Talmudic tractates, by R. Yaakov Yosef maggid and posek of Ostroh. Slavita, [1792]. First edition. With an approbation of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev.
The title of the book forms the initials of the author's name: R. Yaakov Yosef ben Yehuda.
Leaves 1-12 of the second sequence contain the essays of R. Yehuda Leib, the author's father, who was also a maggid in Ostroh. The last 35 leaves contain the author's novellae on several Talmudic tractates.
Ostroh rabbis write in their approbation: "He who is clever should not heed the high cost and should readily purchase this book at whatever the asking price".
The author, R. Yaakov Yosef of Ostroh (1738-1791), a leading third-generation Chassidic master. He was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch and had close ties with other disciples of the Baal Shem Tov. R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev called him: "A holy G-dly man". This book contains many teachings in the name of the Baal Shem Tov and his disciples.
2, 13, 13-139; 47 leaves. 32 cm. Thick, high-quality paper (greenish in part). Condition varies. Most leaves are in good-fair condition. Stains and dampstains (dark, large stains to first and last leaves. Signs of mildew to several leaves). Tears to several leaves. Large tears to title page, with loss of text. Some of the tears are repaired with paper and tape. Censor's inscriptions and stamps to title page. New binding.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 530.