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The Guide to The Celebrated Places in Kiyoto [Kyoto] & The Surrounding Places

by Yamamoto Kakuma

The Guide to The Celebrated Places in Kiyoto [Kyoto] & The Surrounding Places by Yamamoto Kakuma
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The Guide to The Celebrated Places in Kiyoto [Kyoto] & The Surrounding Places by Yamamoto Kakuma

Believed to be the first guidebook in English ever published in Japan. Although dated 1873 (like the first edition which had plain covers without the marbled look), the map in this edition mentions the railway line, indicating a publishing date of around 1877 when the first railway line in Kyoto opened. This lovely book was produced for Westerners who were visiting Kyoto for the exposition held there. Foreigners were not allowed to travel outside the treaty ports of Yokohama, Nagasaki but an exception was made so that visitors could visit Kyoto while the expo was held. The book was published by Niwa [Keisuke], who later wrote about this guide saying, "I was the main person to go to Kyoto under the guidance of Mr. Kakuma Yamamoto....and of course it was the first book to be printed on a European letterpress in Kyoto. (Kyohakuden ‘History of Kyoto’, 1937). The printing press used was imported from Germany, and Kakuma Yamamoto drafted it, while the English manuscript was written by his son-in-law, Kizo. Ishida Yunen was in charge of the copperplate printed illustrations. The map was engraved by Kiokuzan [Kyokuzan]. Yamamoto's sister, Yae, married Joseph Hardy Neesima (Niijima), founder of Kyoto's Doshisha University.

 

Kiyoto, Japan. Niwa [Keisuke]. Dated 1873 (but c1877). Second Edition.

 

(6)+double-sided folding map+48 pp. Book measures 18.3 x 16.7cm. (Map approx. 30.5 x 40.6cm.

 

In very good condition. Decoratively printed heavy paper covers. Some minor wear at edges and binding. A little bit of offsetting around the mounted images from the backing-paste on the reverse sides; a little loosening to the string binding.  Top corner of paper chipped away at top of contents page, faint old fold line on cover and first few pages. Overall very good.

 

b32110723

The Guide to The Celebrated Places in Kiyoto [Kyoto] & The Surrounding Places
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