A Chat about Kamakura and Its Environs by Sagara Kunitaro
[Japan] It seems Sagara Kunitaro (1858-1899) also published a Japanese guide on Kamakura as well as single sheet maps, but this work in English appears to be extremely scarce with no copies at institutions in Japan and the National Diet Library only having a microfiche copy. We believe this is the earliest work in English on Kamakura and the area ever published. Interestingly, the person who checked/corrected the guide, Kobayashi Beika, was none other than Joseph De Becker (1863-1929), who had first arrived in Japan in 1887 and married Kobayashi Ei so he took the name Kobayashi Beika (because Beika sounds a bit like Becker). There is also some evidence he was first known in Japan as George Baker. In the colophon, both Sagara and De Becker are identified as shizoku (used for those from samurai families).
Kamakura. Sagara Kunitaro. 1893. (Printed at the "Japan Gazette" Office, Yokohama)
pp.[2], ii, 52,[2]. 23.6 x 15.9cm.
In fair to good condition. Covers with some age wear and chipping at edges and spine covering. Foxing to rear cover and last blank leaf. Otherwise good. b37061912
