Manjiro Hyoryuki Lovely, llustrated work on John Manjiro
[Japan] A very nice, woodblock printed book telling the story of Nakahama Manjiro (later known as John Mung or John Manjiro) whose fishing boat was blown off course in 1841 and eventually picked up by an American ship, the John Howland. Manjiro was just 14 years old and became one of the first Japanese people to visit America. His story is a fascinating one. This book contains an illustration of Manjiro with an American soldier along with illustrations of a few birds, plants and other things seen. Some illustrations mention 'Wafu Kuni' which is a rendering of 'The Country of Oahu' (i.e. Hawaii). This copy matches exactly the book in the possession of Tohoku University which can be viewed online.
No place [probably Edo]. Soroken. ND [c1860].
16 leaves. 17.7 x 11.6cm.
In good to very good condition. Covers worn and original title slip on front cover no longer present. Hand written title slip states, 'Hyoryuki'. The original title slip would have read 'Manjiro Hyoryuki'. Internally good with some thumbing, age wear and a few very small worm holes. b37011800
