Toldot Baalei Shem Tov, first section (called the Ohr Yisrael), a biography of Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov, by Michael HaLevi Radkinsohn.
The work has a biography of the Baal Shem Tov, names of his students, debates between the Baal Shem Tov and followers of Shabtai Zvi and the Misnagdim, his philosophy, his new path, and his parables. The author intended to print four sections of this work, additionally on the Maggid of Mastrich, the Tzaddikim of Poland, and Admorim of Chabad, but only managed to print the first section on the Baal Shem Tov and the fourth on Admorei Chabad.
The author Michael HaLevi Fromkin was the grandson of Rabbi Aharon of Strashele, who shared with him the stories from the world of chassidus. He changed his name during his stormy lifetime to Radkinsohn after his mother, Rodka, and he was the founder of the newspapers HaKol, HaSanegor, and many research works.
Scarce book.
[40], 144 pages. Leaves are a little brittle, pages 107 and 109 have tears without missing bits, good condition.
