Chafetz Chaim, laws of guarding one's speech – "Laws pertaining to the prohibitions of derogatory speech and talebearing, according to the halachah derived from the Talmud and halachic literature". Vilna: Hillel Dvorzetz, 1873. First edition.
This is the first book authored by the Chafetz Chaim, R. Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Radin. In his first books, Chafetz Chaim and Shemirat HaLashon, the Chafetz Chaim, in his humility, concealed the fact that he was the author. His name does not appear on the title pages (apart from a brief mention in the imprint, in Cyrillic characters: И. М. Каганъ – Y. M. Kagan), nor is he mentioned in the approbations or foreword. His son R. Aryeh Leib HaKohen relates in his memoirs that his father initially hid the fact that he authored the book Chafetz Chaim, and while travelling to obtain subscribers and sell the book, he presented himself as the publisher. Over the years, his identity became known and he did not attempt to conceal himself any longer (Michtevei HaRav Chafetz Chaim – His Life, Ways, Reasonings and Lectures, p. 13). R. Aryeh Leib also relates that he once asked his father why his name is not mentioned in his books Chafetz Chaim and Shemirat HaLashon. The Chafetz Chaim replied that they were not published in his merit, rather in the merit of the Jewish people (ibid).
Gloss handwritten by the author, the Chafetz Chaim, on p. 46 – a 4-word correction (this correction was incorporated in the second edition, Vilna 1877, and in later editions).
R. Yisrael Meir HaKohen of Radin (1837-1933), leader of the Jewish people, was widely known by the name of his first book, the Chafetz Chaim. He founded the Radin yeshiva and authored many halachic and ethical works: Mishnah Berurah, Shemirat HaLashon, Ahavat Chessed, and dozens more.
Signature on the title page: "Baruch David [Sofer?]".

[5], [1], 8-81 leaves. First five leaves bound out of sequence. Approx. 21 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear. Several tears. Worming. Original binding, worn and damaged.

Without 4 Prenumeranten leaves added to some copies.