12 Comments

Since the copyright has expired, I would use a scanner or the Notes app on my iPhone to create a PDF of all readable pages, post this online for anyone to access, and then return the book to the library.

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I was going to suggest digitizing it, too--and given the fragility I was going to suggest reaching out for professional advice to do so (maybe to the Association of Jewish Libraries?).

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Have you searched the Newberry Library collection for "Jewish peddler"? A few titles come up. Assuming I'm allowed, I could request the books in the reading rooms and photograph relevant pages for you. It'd be a good excuse to visit the reading rooms. I live just a few blocks away.

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author

That would be wonderful! I'll have a look and see if any are books I haven't found.

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founding

Well, as a natural born crook, I would keep it, pay the replacement cost, and give it to a place where it will be respected and used. Should the replacement cost be too high, just write them and say “well look at that- I found it!” and give it back.

Love, Mom

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author

And this, folks, is how I come by my criminality. Thanks, Mom! :D

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founding

Any time, mine baby ❤️

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Oct 20Liked by Sarah Einstein

It’s a treasure! Folks in genealogy would want to read it. If someone can get it digitized to share would be great. See if there is someone interested in doing this on Tracing the Tribe group on Facebook.

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author

I have a beat-up copy from eBay coming for just this purpose!

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Libraries are designed to be available to all. After your review, there will be many people searching for this book.

Don't fret with digitizing or stoop to stealing- there are many copies for sale on line.

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author

Oh, and I already reached out to the author's family (the Internet is a miraculous thing) about digitizing it, and they have given me tentative permission but want to ask a few more relatives.

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author

I walked a middle road. I got a copy for myself off eBay, but I also reached out the Dean of the Library at the university from which it came and suggested that because it is a pristine, signed copy, it might be better off in an archive of Jewish writing, and he agreed and plans to send it on to one. I've already returned it.

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