Mahometto-den (A Biography of Muhammad)

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Mahometto-den ["A Biography of Muhammad"]

[Prideaux, Humphrey (original text by)]; Hayashi, Tadasu [translated by].

Tōkyō: Higashi Kan'ichi, Meiji 9 [1876].

The first biography of the Prophet Muhammad published in Japanese. The translator, diplomat Hayashi Tadasu (1850-1913), studied at University College School and King's College London between 1866 and 1868 and was later a member of the Iwakura Mission. He was, at separate times and in different countries, resident minister to China, Russia, and Great Britain, and held several instrumental roles in Japanese government, including the position of Foreign Minister (under Prince/Prime Minister Saionji Kinmochi). Among his many other accomplishments is signing the Anglo-Japanese Alliance on behalf of Japan in 1902. According to the preface, Hayashi's translation was based on an 1808 edition of Humphrey Prideaux's The True Nature of Imposture Fully Display'd in the Life of Mahomet (originally published 1697) acquired by two Jōdo Shinshū monks during their travels in Europe in 1872. Prideaux was a Christian and aimed to paint an image of Islam that could be contrasted with Christianity in this work; the fact that the biography may be biased is acknowledged by the publisher in the preface. An important text in the history of the reception of Islam in Japan.

Two four-hole-bound (yotsumetoji) volumes, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Original wrappers, lightly discoloured and creased, with a few small marks. Block-owner's stamp to title. Light browning to leaf extremities. Slight bump to upper opening corners. 2, 2, 84; 1, 46 leaves. 22.2 x 15 cm.

Mahometto-den (A Biography of Muhammad)
Price: $1,860.00 (USD)