Heading: (Japan)
Author: Kaempfer, Engelbert
Title: Histoire naturelle, civile, et ecclesiastique de l'empire du Japon
Place Published: A La Haye [The Hague]
Publisher:Chez P. Grosse, & J. Neaulme
Date Published: 1732
Description:

3 volumes. [2], lxx, [2], 312; [6] 416; [4], 379, [17] pp. With Copper-engraved frontispiece in Vol. I; 13 folding copper-engraved maps & plans. (12mo) 16.5x9 cm. (6½x3½"), later full vellum, leather spine labels.

French language publication of Kaempfer's notable history, one of the most influential histories to shape the West's conception of Japan. Kaempfer (1651-1716) was a Swedish physician and diplomat. He visited Japan in 1690-92 as part of the Dutch East India Company and was twice allowed to visit Edo. Kaempfer wrote this work in German, but a German-language edition did not appear until 1777.

alf of one of the spine label torn off but laid in the book, Vol. 2 spine labeled 3 and vice versa; minor aging to contents, map of Japan proper with 2" stub tear, plan of Nagasaki with 5" split at a fold; very good, with a notable selection of maps and plans including details of a number of cities.