[Encyclopedia of the History of the Japanese Imperial Navy]

Tokyo, Japan: Seibun Books, for the Historical Research Institute Naval Library. First Edition. Hardcover. As New/Fine. 4to 11" - 13" tall. Not seemingly otherwise available on-line currently, being a 15-volume history of the Japanese Imperial Navy. Nearly As New condition hardcovers, each housed in illustrated paper-over-cardboard slipcases, generally in Near Fine condition, with some light soiling and wear to extremities. Bound in tall quarto format, measuring 12" x 9 1/4" tall and wide, respectively. Volumes bound handsomely in a heavy black, almost sailcloth-like cloth over boards. Gilt-edged, sewn-in head-bands. Sharp and distinct gilt lettering over black-cloth spines and red-cloth labels. Front covers feature an impressive gilt-stamped anchor, quite fine, and all the sewn-in silk linen bookmarks are present. Japanese characters (Kanji) throughout, rendered mostly in triple-column format, but with Roman numbers to spines of slipcases and Arabic numbers to title pages of all but Volume 7; plentiful dates in Arabic locate black-and-white illustrations and photographs back to the early-mid 1800s. If paginated, not in Arabic, but each appears to be roughly 220 pp. in length. Here is the content if not exact titles (via Google Images and Google Translate): Volume 1: Naval Dawn; Volume 2: The Imperial Navy and the Sino-Japanese War; Volume 3: Sun Dew War; Volume 4: Road to Pacific War; Volume 5: Pacific War 1; Volume 6: Pacific War 2; Volume 7: Battleship, Battle Cruiser; Volume 8: Aircraft Carrier, Cruiser, Seaplane Carrier; Volume 9: Destroyer, Patrol Boat, Mine, Boat, Coastal Defense Ship; Volume 10: Submarine, Submarine Carrier, Laying Ship, Gunboat; Volume 11: Ship, Spy Ship, Utility Ship, Special Ship; Volume 12: Fleet Organization, Marine Corps, Healthcare, Marching Band; Volume 13: Naval Aviation, Aircraft; Volume 14: Navy Military Education, Technology, Accounting, Personnel; Volume 15: housing for what would have been three cassettes but that are missing. Several hundred black-and-white illustrations and photographs, plenty in duotone and full-color, too, of fighting units, military materiel, battlefield locations, housing types, military dress and comportment, weaponry and ammunition, schooners, educational materials, modes of transportation, school buildings and uniforms, and the like. All in, an absolutely indispensable reference guide for the student and historian of the Japanese Imperial Navy and of W.W.I. and W.W.I.I. and the Sino-Japanese War.Member, I.O.B.A., C.B.A., and adherent to the highest ethical standards. Additional postage may be required for oversize or especially heavy volumes, and for sets.