History of Contemporary Japanese Photography [Two volume set]: Volume I: 1840-1945 / Volume II:1945-1970

Heibonsha; Tokyo, Japan Book. Near Fine. Cloth with Decorative Boxes. First Edition.. An exceptionally important, early and rare pair of slipcased and profusely illustrated books documenting the history of Japanese photography. This two volume set was one of the first attempts to chronicle the sometimes turbulent, but always brilliant achievements in photography. Texts are in Japanese, and it is arguable that attention to the overall arc of Japanese achievements in the field were not adequately appreciated outside of Japan until decades later in the 1990s. Both volumes are bound in black cloth with no dustjacket, as issued. Both are encased in photo illustrated printed cardboard boxes, as published. Interiors of each volume are in excellent, pristine condition. Outer boxes show a bit of tanning and a few very minor chips and light spotting, but are otherwise in fine condition. Spine and covers of each are in fine condition, save for some light scratches on the spine of Volume II. Volume I, published in 1971, 516 pp.; Volume II, published 1977, 589 pp..