Avodat Yisrael, homilies on the Torah and on Pirkei Avot, by the Maggid R. Yisrael of Kozhnitz. Józefów, 1842. First edition.
The author, R. Yisrael Hopstein, known as the Maggid of Kozhnitz (Kozienice; 1737-1815, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, II, pp. 542-548), was a leading rebbe who disseminated Chassidism throughout Poland.
His famous book Avodat Yisrael was not printed in his lifetime, however it is known to be his primary work and a foremost Chassidic book, printed in many editions. Chassidic leaders praised the holiness of the book and its author. For example, the author of Aryeh D'Vei Ila'i writes in his approbation: "His words which burn like fire… will excite the heart of the reader like torches…". The author of Divrei Yechezkel of Shinova said: "All the books of the disciples of the Baal Shem Tov are holy, yet the holy book Avodat Yisrael is Holy of Holies".
[4], 90; 32 leaves. Two title pages. 20.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Many stains. Dampstains to some leaves. Tears and worming to both title pages, repaired with paper, affecting title page borders and text on verso of second title page. Inscriptions and stamps. New leather binding.
Does not include leaf [5] with three approbations, which was added to only some copies, because these approbations were brought to the printer only after he had already completed printing the book.
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 452; Stefansky Classics, no. 389.