Die Juden von Birndorf (The Jews Of Birndorf)
Jakob Wassermann
NOTE: I believe the author is Jakob Wassermann although the print looks like Waffermann. I can find no references to the author Waffermann but many to the well known German author Jakob Wassermann. Also the title seems to vary depending upon where you reference the novel, some reliable references indicate the title is Die Juden Von Zirndorf
Hard cover
This is an original copy, not a fascimile!
1918 First edition (I think) I see no references to a reprint but do find some information that this book was written in 1897 when Jakob was in his 30's
Edited by G. Fifcher Verlag, Berlin
German language
365 pages
Dimensions: 185mm x 125mm x 28mm
Jakob wrote a number of books dealing with the struggles of his Jewish/German heritage, his father was Jewish. This was a period of time when anti Jewish feelings were on the rise culminating in the ascension to power of Hitler's Nazi party in 1927. A few years later this resulted in all of Wasserman's novels being banned in Germany by the Nazi party.
It appears that this novel deals with human relationships in Zirndorf and Nuremburg. I suggest that if there is further interest in this novel, please undertake your own research because I am not good with the German language!
CONDITION:
Fair condition
Personal writing inside front page (indian ink)
(Name) 1922
Pencil printed price (probably a retailer as it is priced in $ not DM)
Stamped lower portion of the same page
BERKELOUW BOOK DEALERS SYDNEY
(Berkelouw's are a well known trader in rare books)
All pages are present
Considerable
Spine damage (outer support is cracked) it appears to be stitched but I am not "game" to delve into the book, it is quite fragile.
Significant foxing - the paper is made from wood (consisting of cellulose and lignin) and over time these components tend to make the paper pages turn yellow and then brown due to oxidisation primarily but sunlight is also a factor. The pages remain structurally sound (no crumbling!) and the lovely gothic style printed text remains easy to read.
Overall, in my opinion, this 102 year old book is in pretty good condition considering the years that have passed.
To ensure the present condition is maintained, it has now been sealed in plastic (not sticky plastic!) and stored in a dark area of our bookshelf.
