Manuscript of "Magid Devarav LeYa’akov – Likutei Amarim" by the Maggid of Mezritch – Early Copy

Manuscript of "Magid Devarav LeYa’akov – Likutei Amarim" by the Maggid of Mezritch – Early Copy
Manuscript, Sefer Likutei Amarim by the Maggid of Mezritch, [Russia-Poland, c. 1773].
Begins with several handwritten leaves, with titles: “Sefer Likutei Amarim by the divine and holy Torah giant, Rabbi Dover, who received his Torah from the divine Ba’al Shem Tov who received his Torah from Eliyahu”. In one instance the Maggid is mentioned while he is still alive: “May his light shine”. On last leaf colophon by copyist: “With the help of the Almighty I have completed the book Likutei Amarim and as the Almighty merited me to write and complete the book, may he merit me… by the agent Tzvi Hirsch son of Rabbi Shmuel of community of Vilednik”.
Sefer Likutei Amarim is the first printed book containing the Torah of the Maggid of Mezritch, disciple of the Ba’al Shem Tov and transmitter of his Torah to following generations. The book was first printed in Koretz in 1781 under title Magid Devarav LeYa’akov. Several manuscripts and copies of the composition were already in existence at an earlier period, some of which differ in order or content. This manuscript is complete and arranged in a manner similar to first printed edition of book (not including introductions), however with many slight variations, and apparently it was written prior to the printing of the book. The fact that the book has no copyist errors indicates that it was written by a Torah scholar who was profoundly proficient in Kabbalah and Chassidism.
Copyist of manuscript, Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch son of Rabbi Shmuel of Vilednik is possibly Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch of Ostraha son of Rabbi Shmuel, among prominent disciples of the Ba’al Shem Tov and the Maggid of Mezritch who passed away in 1789; giant in Kabbalah and most distinguished Chassid of Ostraha to whom many stories of wonder were ascribed. [For additional information related to him see book “Chassidut MiDor LeDor”, I p. 102, no. 126. and Encyclopaedia of Chassidism, III, pp. 588-589].
167 pages. 20 cm. Thick quality paper, good-fair condition, stains, moth and ink damage. Majority of leaves in very good condition. New and frayed binding.