Seiyo shinsho [New Writings about the West] United States of America.

A Japanese history of America

First edition. 2 vols. Colour woodblock printed map of America, numerous woodblock illustrations throughout. 153 x 222mm. fukurotoji binding, original blue paper wrappers, restitched, light wear and occasional unobtrusive worming, overall a good copy. 4, 37 ff.; 36 ff. Tokyo, Tokyo Shorin, Meiji 5 [i.e. 

An illustrated tour of America, outlining important landmarks, inventions and historic events. This series was published not long after Japan opened up to the West, when there was growing public interest in Japan's new Western trade partners and their respective histories. The present issue focuses on the USA (Gasshukoku); the first volume explores on social and cultural topics such as museums, children's pastimes and hot air balloons, while the second volume moves into America's military history, including the War of Independence, and religious topics.

Uryu Masakazu (1821-1893) was a writer and editor who wrote historical books as well as satirical stories. The illustrator, Hashimoto Sadahide (1807–1879), was a decibel of Utamaro and became known for his illustrations of Western people. He was one of ten artists to be sent by the Tokugawa shogunate to the Paris Expo in 1867. 

The present books are a complete two volume set of issue two of a bigger series, the Seiyo Shinsho. The entire series consists of 7 issues in 14 volumes, each issue a 2 volume pair focused on a different part of the West.

Stock Code: 252453