Avodat Yisrael, homilies on the Torah and on Pirkei Avot, by the Magid R. Yisrael of Koznitz. Józefów, 1842. First edition.
The author, R. Yisrael Hofstein, known as the Magid of Koznitz (Kozienice) (1737-1815, Encyclopedia L'Chassidut, Vol. 2, 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've Ila'i writes in his approbation: "…His words burn like fire… inspire the heart of the reader…". The author of Divrei Yechezkel of Sieniawa said: "All the books of the disciples of the Ba'al Shem Tov are holy yet the holy book Avodat Yisrael is Holy of Holies".
Both title pages bear ownership inscriptions, signatures and stamps of R. Menachem Mendel Nissan Rowitsky, author of Matzmi'ach Yeshuot (Krakow, 1909).
[4], 90; 32 leaves. Two title pages. Bluish paper. 20 cm. Condition of leaves varies. Most leaves are in good condition. The title pages and first leaves are detached, with stains and significant wear. Stains to all leaves. The two last leaves are detached. In several places, the leaves are cut on the border of the text. Old 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.