Kōeki Shojaku Mokuroku Taizen

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廣益書籍目録大全 [Kōeki Shojaku Mokuroku Taizen, “A Complete Catalogue of Publications for Public Utility”]

[Yao, Ichibē ... (et al.) (text by)].

Rakuyō [Kyōto]: Yao Ichibē ... [et al.], [ca. Genroku 5 (1692)].

An early woodblock-printed shojaku mokuroku (catalogue of publications) in five volumes, compiled by Kyoto booksellers. Professor Mary Elizabeth Berry notes in Japan in Print: Information and Nation in the Early Modern Period (2007, p. 1) that this particular catalogue was "published by a consortium of Kyoto firms in 1692 [and] contains entries on over 7,000 current titles divided into 46 main categories (and numerous subcategories)". An erudite previous owner of this set has made comprehensive corrections by hand, added marginal notes, and re-bound the books to include extra leaves in manuscript of titles seemingly left out of the books. An important primary source for researchers, and an intriguing work for anyone interested in the history of the East Asian book trade.

On double leaves, fukurotoji style. Bindings re-sewn. Original wrappers, worn and inscribed. Partial loss to upper wrapper of v.1. V.1 and 2 lacking title slips. Ex-ownership stamp to first leaf of each volume. Occasional minor marks and light stains. Slight wormholing to v.2, 3, first few leaves of 4, and last few leaves of 5. Contemporary annotations, manuscript leaves sewn in. Very good. 5 v., complete. [1], 67; [1], 67; [1], 74; [1], 79; [1], 65 leaves. Each book measures approx. 10.8 x 16 cm. Text in Japanese.

Kōeki Shojaku Mokuroku Taizen
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