Peat HaShulchan, laws pertaining to Eretz Israel, by R. Yisrael of Shklow, disciple of the Vilna Gaon. Safed: R. Yisrael Bak, 1836. First edition.

On title page, various ownership inscriptions and signatures dated 1837 and 1842. At top of title page, ownership inscriptions (partly trimmed) dated 1837 (during the author's lifetime), on receipt of the book through R. Tzvi Hirsch Lehren of Amsterdam, founder of the Pekidim and Amarkalim organization: "R. Tzvi Hirsch Lehren of Amsterdam, received from Safed from the author, to distribute among the Jewish philanthropists… Isru Chag of Yom Kippur 1837… Yosef son of R. Zanvil".

Four lengthy glosses in Ashkenazic script from the time of the book's printing, two signed with initials.

The author, R. Yisrael of Shklow (1770-1839), a close disciple of the Vilna Gaon (who studied with him during his final days), published the books of the Vilna Gaon and disseminated his teachings, and was a leader of the immigration of the Vilna Gaon's disciples to Eretz Israel.

In a lengthy and important introduction at the beginning of the book, the author relates his trials and tribulations after his immigration to Eretz Israel, including a plague that broke out in the Galilee in 1813, the passing of his wife when they fled to Jerusalem, the passing of their children from the plague which also spread to Jerusalem, and the passing of his parents in the Galilee. He goes on to recount his subsequent return to the Galilee, his imprisonment during the Siege of Acre, his miraculous rescue from a collapse of houses during winter in Safed, and more.

The rest of his introduction is a highly important biographical source for the Vilna Gaon. R. Yisrael of Shklow describes at length the greatness of his teacher, his method and practices, his outstanding expertise in Torah and sciences and more.

[5], 2-104, 106-107, 106-109, [1] leaves (leaves 106-107 printed twice). 30 cm. Varying types of paper. Good-fair condition. Many stains (including dampstains). Some wear. Ex libris label (from library of philosopher Jakob Klatzkin). Old binding, worn and deteriorated.

One of the last books published in Safed before the 1837 earthquake, after which the author and printer, R. Yisrael Bak, moved to Jerusalem.

The present copy includes final leaf of errata.

Vinograd, Otzar Sifrei HaGra, No. 1543.