Sefer Yuchasin, history of Torah transmission and its sages, from the time of Moshe Rabbeinu until the time of the author, by R. Avraham Zacuto. Parts I and II. Zhovkva, [1799].
The leaf preceding the title page contains the handwritten signature of R. "Yeshaya Steiner". The verso of the title page bears his personal stamp (slightly smudged): "Yeshaya Steiner (in Hebrew) - Isaje Steiner Bodrog-Kerestur". Other signatures and ownership inscriptions: "Yitzchak Yaakov --- Rabbi of ----"; "Avraham Berger"; and more signatures.
R. Yeshaya Steiner of Kerestir (Bodrogkeresztúr; 1852-1922) was the disciple and successor of Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Liska (Olaszliszka), author of Ach Pri Tevua. He was orphaned from his father at the age of three and was raised in the home of R. Tzvi Hirsh of Liska from the age of twelve. Drawn to Chassidism, he frequented the courts of Rebbe Chaim Halberstam of Sanz and Rebbe Mordechai of Nadvorna. However, his primary rebbe and mentor remained Rebbe Tzvi Hirsh of Liska, and he eventually became his close attendant (even when R. Yeshaya already served as rebbe, with throngs flocking to his court from all over Hungary, he would still sign with his stamp and on his letters: "…who attended the pious Rebbe of Liska"). Rebbe Yeshaya was revered by the leading rebbes of his day, including Rebbe Chaim of Sanz and Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz (who stated that the "key to sustenance" is in the hands of R. Yeshaya of Kerestir). He performed thousands of charitable deeds, personally engaging himself in hospitality, and was considered one of the pillars of kindness and prayer in his times. He was renowned as a holy man, and thousands of Jews (as well as non-Jews) from all over Hungary would travel to his court to seek his advice. He was also renowned as a wonder-worker and for providing amulets. Until this day, his portrait is hung in homes as a segula against mice. The story behind this custom is related in his biography, Mei Be'er Yeshayahu.
[4], 105, [1] leaves; [1], 2-64 leaves. 18.5 cm. Varying condition, good to fair. Wear and stains. Marginal open tears to the title page of Part I and first four leaves. Marginal singeing to leaf 93. Early binding with leather spine, worn.