Bankoku Meisho-zue: Sekai Ryokō = Illustrated Guide Book for Travellers Round the World

ENQUIRE

Bankoku Meisho-zue: Sekai Ryokō = Illustrated Guide Book for Travellers Round the World

Aoki, Tsunesaburō [edited by].

Ōsaka: Aoki Tsunesaburō, Meiji 18-19 [1885-1886].

A seven-volume set of copperplate-printed guidebooks for countries around the world. While the books focus on famous landmarks and iconic locations, information on and illustrations of historic events are also included. For example, volume 1, on North America, includes illustrations of the American Revolutionary War, tea being thrown overboard in Boston Harbor, and Puritans arriving in the New World. Volumes 2-4 provide information on Great Britain, Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and other European countries, while 5 focuses on Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and Egypt. Finally, the Middle East and India are covered in volume 6 and Asia in volume 7. Portraits of famous figures like Napoleon, Jesus, Caesar, Columbus, and Washington are included, as are many maps. This set comes without the original wooden box and separate fold-out map. The illustrations are beautifully clear and defined, and a volvelle showing the time differences between countries is a nice feature.

Seven Western-bound volumes, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Original boards scuffed, extremities slightly bumped. Light stains, soiling, and small losses to lower boards. Volume numbers to textblock feet in brush and ink. Occasional small marks, creases, and ex-ownership stamps internally. Most gutters cracked, several repaired, all holding. Minor tears to gutters. Small tear to title and first illustrated leaf of v.2. Leaf [5-6] bound out of order in v.5. [20], 88; 76; [2], 110; 154; [1], 177; 182; 224 p. Each volume measures approximately 15 x 9.8 cm. Some captions in English; otherwise, text in Japanese. 

Bankoku Meisho-zue: Sekai Ryokō = Illustrated Guide Book for Travellers Round the World
SOLD