PBA Galleries

2 volumes. [12], lii, 391, [5]; [6], 612, 75, [3], 11, [11] pp. Title-pages printed in red & black. With added engraved title page in Vol. I + 45 engraved maps & plates, all but 6 of them double page, some folding out as well. Two variant title pages in Vol. II, one dated 1727. (folio) 34.2x21.5 cm (13½x8½"), old calf gilt-stamped with the arms of Military Depot on front covers. First Edition, second issue.

Kaempfer's important work, one of the most influential histories to shape the West's conception of Japan. Kaempfer (1651-1716) was a Swedish physician and diplomat. He visited Japan in 1690-92 as part of the Dutch East India Company and was twice allowed to visit Edo. Kaempfer wrote this work in German, but a German-language edition did not appear until 1777. Of significance is the fine folding map of Japan, "Imperium Japonicum in Sexaginta et Octo Provincias Divisum...," measuring 45.5x52.5 cm. This is the second issue of the work, with title pages dated 1728, and the addition of the second appendix at the end of Vol. II.