Divrei Shmuel on the Torah, by R. Shmuel Shmelke Horowitz, Rabbi of Nikolsburg (disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch). Lemberg (Lviv): printer not indicated, [1862]. First edition. Two title pages.

The book was printed from manuscripts from the collection of the Maggid of Kozhnitz, and was published by his grandson R. Moshe HaKohen [Ungar], mentioned on the second title page.
The author, R. Shmuel Shmelke HaLevi Horowitz, Rabbi of Nikolsburg (1726-1778), son of R. Tzvi Hirsch Rabbi of Chortkiv, and elder brother of R. Pinchas HaLevi, author of the Haflaah. Both brothers worked together for many years in study of Torah and service of G-d, and they were leading disciples of the Maggid of Mezeritch.

R. Shmelke was known from a young age for his brilliance and holiness. He served as Rabbi of Ritshvol (Ryczywół) and subsequently of Shinova (Sieniawa). He established a yeshiva in all the places he had a rabbinic office, teaching students who later became important Chassidic leaders: R. Yisrael Hopstein, the Maggid of Kozhnitz; R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev; R. Avraham Chaim of Zlotchov, author of Orach LaChaim; R. Meir Kristianpoller, Rabbi of Brody; R. Moshe Leib of Sassov (who studied under him for 13 years) and R. Yaakov Yitzchak, the Chozeh of Lublin (who studied under him for about 18 years). These disciples embraced Chassidut due to his influence.

In 1772, the two brothers began to serve in different countries: R. Shmelke was appointed Rabbi of Nikolsburg (Mikulov), a central Moravian community; and R. Pinchas immigrated to Germany to serve as Rabbi of Frankfurt am Main. His faithful students from Poland, R. Moshe Leib of Sassov and the Chozeh of Lublin, followed him to study in the yeshiva he opened in Nikolsburg. His close disciples in the Nikolsburg yeshiva included R. Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, R. Yitzchak Eizik of Kaliv, R. Shlomo Buchner Rabbi of Chrzanów (disciple of R. Elimelech of Lizhensk) and R. Mordechai Benet (later Rabbi of Nikolsburg and Moravia).
Ownership inscription on title page (in pencil): "Book of Yisrael HaLevi Kodoner Blachowitz".

[3], 5-58 leaves. 24.5 cm. Overall good condition. Stains. Marginal worming. Small tears to title page, one tear repaired with tape. New binding.

The present copy contains the half-title, which was only added to some copies.