Epitome of the Ancient History of Japan Including a Guide Book by N. McLeod
[Japan] Very scarce first edition of McLeod's bizarre but wonderful book based on his theories regarding the connection between the Jewish race and the Japanese people. There are references to Japan Mail (newspaper) articles and some to other Westerners living in Japan at the same time. It is evident that McLeod visited the first Japanese exposition held in Kyoto in 1872. The abridged guidebook to Japan, though brief (covering the final 13pp), is actually the earliest such guide to cover more than just one city. William Griffis wrote individual guidebooks to Tokyo, Yokohama, Nikko and Kyoto in 1874 but nothing else appeared until Keeling's Guide to Japan of 1880. Larger works by McLeod with illustrations were published between 1877 and 1879 but this small 1875 work, McLeod's first, rarely appears anywhere.
Nagasaki. N[icholas] McLeod. 1875. (Printed for him at the 'Rising Sun' Office).
pp[4], 165[1] + errata slip pasted inside rear cover as issued. 14.7 x 10.7cm.
In very good condition. Covers a bit worn and faded with minor chipping. Spine covering mostly intact. Very minor foxing to ffep, title page and errata slip. Internally very good with only minor wear and a few minor stray marks. b34031134
