1st edition. 12mo. 105, 96, 128 pages. In English, German, and Hebrew; each with own title page. Includes introductory remarks by 3 Chicago Rabbis: Emil Hirsh, Dr. S. Sola, and A. Norden. "A Wisp of Myrrh in a Bed of Spices. A narrative of interesting events in the life of Israel's bene- factor, the illustrious philanthropist, Sir Moses Montcfiore , and reflections upon his many deeds of kindness and benevolence, including elucidations of many expressions in Biblical and Talmudical literature, and a philosoph ical investigation of the general idea of the belief in the immortality of the soul and reward and punishment in the life to come, etc. Original in Classical Hebrew." The author notes, "In the year following the death of Sir Moses Montifiore, I thought of writing concerning the life and deeds of this illustrious philanthropist , and to publish the same in memory of this great benefactor of Israel. On the first day of Tyyar .5646 [6 May 1886), my task was finished" (p. 105). He also notes, “ ‘After I finished writing my book ... some knowledgeable and wise people read it while it was still in manuscript ... and enjoyed it immensely ... [but] it was a great wonder to them ... for he who engages in commerce does not become wise, particularly not in this land, where the Torah is placed on the street corner and no one asks for it. And they asked me if I did not copy it from books written by famous men of great worth who toil in Torah [scholarship] ... I responded to them truthfully, that all the contents of my book are my own ideas ... and I gave them proof” (p. 3) Goldman 691: “Part one is a homiletic biography of Montefiore and part two contains Talmudic novellae and Biblical commentaries. . Shaffner hoped "through its sale to be enabled to assure a peaceful evening of life for himself' (p. 3). Felsenthal had encouraged Shaffner to publish it as early as 28 Sept. 1885 and he himself prepared the translation, which was completed by 22 Nov. 1886 (pp. 1-2). It is not clear whether Felsenthal was responsible for the German or the English translation, or both; BHBl and E. Felsenthal record him as the German translator. [Deinard] records that this work was published for the "fourth convention of the American Zionists [Hovevei Zion?]." Sir Moses Montefiore was a 19th-century English philanthropist. Singerman 3593. Deinard 701. SUBJECT (S) : Montefiore, Moses, Sir, 1784-1885. OCLC: 9985439. Edgewear to leather binding, especially at spine. Very good condition internally, Good Condition Overall. (AMR-2-8A-BBB), Cno , fug , iul , candd , ndd , oldgd , yyp , drp , pau , isb , ixa , uuo , cavaa , va@ , wau , j9u , nyp ,