Likutei Amarim Tanya - Slavita, 1796 - First Edition - Lacking Copy, with Handwritten Replacements

Likutei Amarim Tanya - Slavita, 1796 - First Edition - Lacking Copy, with Handwritten Replacements
Likutei Amarim [Tanya], Sefer shel Benonim - Sha'ar HaYichud V'HaEmuna, by R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi. [Slavita: Rabbi Moshe Shapira, 1796].
Copy lacking 16 leaves (of the original 86 leaves), bound with blank leaves in their stead, some completed in an ancient handwriting from the 19th century. These handwritten replacements follow the version of the first editions before the censor omissions.
First edition of the first Chassidic book containing the teachings of the Admor HaZaken R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi, a leading disciple of the Magid of Mezritch (disciple of the Ba'al Shem Tov) and forerunner of the Chassidic movement in Russia and Lithuania. He was called Ba'al HaTanya after his important book, basis of Chabad Chassidism as well as rudimental to all Chassidic teachings. The Tanya is studied in all circles as a basic book of matters of faith and service of G-d.
The book was first distributed in handwritten copies but after the mitnagdim intentionally spread fake copies, the Admor HaZaken decided to print the book and prohibit its reproduction for five years. Within less than forty years after the first edition, the Tanya was reprinted in more than ten editions in Russia and Poland, and from that time, it has been printed in thousands of editions all over the world, even in underground printing presses during wartime, under Communist rule in Russia and in printing presses in Arabic countries.
Leading Rebbes of all times lauded the importance and segula of Sefer HaTanya. R. Zusha of Annopol, who wrote an approbation for this first edition, writes: "With the Sefer HaTanya we will stride to greet Mashiach". R. Yehuda Leib HaCohen, who wrote the second approbation, said that the Tanya is like "incense" - a segula and cure for all the illnesses of the generation preceding Mashiach. When the book reached the hands of R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv, he announced in amazement: "A great wonder how such a powerful awesome G-d can enter such a small book…". The Magid of Kosienice said: "Sefer HaTanya is a book from Gan Eden".
Many segulot have been attributed to studying this book and even just possessing it. R. Zusha of Annopol and R. Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv were accustomed to carrying it with them at all times. Chabad Rebbes instructed taking it while traveling as a segula for protection and deliverance. Studying this book is said to be a segula to prevent alien thoughts, for strengthening faith, for blessing and success and deliverance.
The book is divided into two parts. Part 1: Book of "benonim" (responses to many questions constantly asked… and proper counsel for all difficulties in G-d's service). Part 2: Education of a minor… based on the first section of the Kriyat Shema. Sha'ar HaYichud V'Ha'emuna appears at the top of the pages of Part 2.
At the top of the pages: Likutei Amarim and Sha'ar HaYichud V'Ha'emuna. Later editions were called Tanya [titled after the first word of the book].
[8 blank leaves], 9-21, [22-23 replaced in handwriting], 24-80, [81-83 replaced in handwriting], [2] leaves in handwriting. (Originally: [3], 4-86 leaves). Damages with slight loss of text to the edges of several leaves (leaves 9-14, 18-19). 15.5 cm. Condition varies, good to fair. Stains and wear. Minor worming. Old rubbed binding with leather spine. Ownership signature on binding pastedown: "Yerucham Lipers[titz/tein] of Dubrowno".
Stefansky Chassidut, no. 622.