Four years have gone by since the first appearance of
HaGaon, the most comprehensive and authoritative work
on the Vilna Gaon's life and teachings.
Gedolei Torah extended blessings and were visibly
pleased over its publication. Written by HaRav Dov Eliach,
HaGaon relates the story of Rabbenu Eliyohu of Vilna
zt"l, shedding light for the first time on unknown
episodes in his life as well as his teachings—both for
his contemporaries and generations to come. The work reveals
previously unpublished findings gleaned from manuscripts and
documents.
HaGaon is not merely a compilation of anecdotes,
recollections and facts, but a genuine creative work, a
portrait of his personality and path, the fruit of broad, in-
depth research of this great among the greats of more recent
generations.
HaRav Eliach invested extensive work into his book:
painstaking labor to gather and glean, close examination,
indefatigable investigation and sensible organization of the
material. His prodigious command of the Gra's manuscripts is
apparent as well in the list of books he has published,
including the recently released Chumosh HaGra.
He submitted all of his books to HaRav Chaim Kanievsky
shlita, who has supported and assisted HaRav Eliach in
all of his fabulous works. The elaborate front material of
the present work quotes HaRav Kanievsky saying he reviewed
"the entire book."
The new edition includes an explicit approbation by HaRav
Kanievsky with his instructions to the author to "print the
book as is. You can add, but do not delete or change
anything." He also refers to the text of the book as a
faithful reflection of the words of gedolei Yisroel,
saying, "the truth must be known," and concludes with
blessings for success.
