TALES OF OLD JAPAN. By A. B. Mitford, Second Secretary to the British Legation in Japan. With illustrations, drawn and cut on wood by Japanese Artists.

Author: A. B. Mitford.
Title: TALES OF OLD JAPAN. By A. B. Mitford, Second Secretary to the British Legation in Japan. With illustrations, drawn and cut on wood by Japanese Artists.
Publisher: London, Macmillan and Co., 1871. First Edition. Complete set of 2 volumes.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 8" X 5.5".
Pages: xii-277, 272 pages.
Binding: Attractive and near fine blue half-morocco leather binding, finely bound by Riviere and Son for Sotheran with gilt titles and decoration to spines (hinges fine) under a protective removable mylar cover. Upper edge gilt. A beautiful set!
Content: Very good content (bright, tight, and clean, very rare light foxing - as shown, nice ex-libris of W.A. Foyle of Beeleigh Abbey on the first endpaper of both volumes - as shown, original pictorial black cloth front covers bound at rear of each volume - as shown).
Illustrations: Complete with the 31 illustrations, drawn and cut on wood by Japanese Artists..

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The books: A scarce first edition of Tales of Old Japan by A. B. Mitford, beautifully bound by Riviere and Son, offers a fascinating glimpse into Japanese folklore, customs, and history. This seminal work, penned by the Second Secretary to the British Legation in Japan, is celebrated for its rich collection of stories and essays, including accounts of samurai honor, hara-kiri, and the tea ceremony, among others. It stands out not only for its insightful commentary and storytelling but also for its unique illustrations, drawn and cut on wood by Japanese artists, providing authentic depictions that enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture