Aino Fairy Tales - Complete Set of Three by Basil Hall Chamberlain
[Japan] This is the first set of the three Aino Fairy Tales we have had for more than ten years. Woodblock printed on plain paper (no editions on crepe paper are known to exist), the set consists of No.1 - The Hunter in Fairy-Land, No.2 - The Birds' Party, and No.3 - The Man Who Lost His Wife. Basil Hall Chamberlain (1850-1935) was one of the most well-known Japanologists who also wrote books and dictionaries about the Ainu people and their language. These Ainu fairy tales are obviously a result of part of his studies on Hokkaido and the indigenous Ainu groups there.
Nos.1 & 2 - Tokyo, Kobunsha (for Ticknor & Co. Boston). 1887. No.3 - Tokyo, T. Hasegawa. 1889.
No.1 has 9 leaves including preface leaf printed on very thin tissue-like paper as issued (18.8 x 13.1cm), No.2 has 5 leaves (19 x 12.7cm), and No.3 has 7 leaves (18.7 x 13.4cm). (No. of leaves includes covers). All complete.
In very good condition. No.1 is very good overall with minor age wear only. No.2 has some stains on the rear cover that penetrate to the next leaf. Otherwise very good. No.3 has a small area of worming abut is otherwise very good. b36051610
