Auction details |
"Title: Nipon o Dai Itsi Ran, ou Annales des Empereurs du Japon
Translated by: M. Isaac Titsingh Publisher: For the Oriental Translation Fund of Great Britain and Ireland Printing Year: 1834 Condition/Details: Bound in gilt-embossed modern cloth binding, this rare and important text about the history of the emperors of Japan was translated from a 1652 text by Hayashi Gaho by Isaac Titsingh. Isaac M. Titsingh was born on January 1, 1745, in Amsterdam. Leading up to his entrance into the guild of surgeons in Amsterdam in 1764, he received an excellent education from his father. Titsingh was appointed doctor of law at the University of Leiden in 1765. In the same year, he left Europe to travel to Asia. He held various positions during his 34 year career with the Dutch East India Company. From 1766 until 1779, he was responsible for administrative activities in Batavia. He was director of the Company on the island of Dejima/Nagasaki from 1779 until 1784. Titsingh was ambassador to the shogun's court in Tokyo in 1780 and 1782. He later directed the Company's station in Bengal from 1785 to 1792. Titsingh then acted as ordinary counsel of India to Batavia from 1792 to 1794. The highpoint of Titsingh's career was definitely his appointment as ambassador to the Chinese court in Peking under Emperor Quianlong. He supervised the festivities during the emperor's sixth period of rule. On December 11, 1796, he returned to Europe and settled first in London, then in Bath. Titsingh visited Amsterdam in 1801 and subsequently went to Paris, where he lived until his death on February 2, 1812. During his life, he was a member of many varied organizations such as the ""Asiatic Society of Bengal"" in Calcutta, the ""Dutch Maatschappij der Werenschappen"" in Haarlem, and the ""China Hunt Club"" in London. He was also a fellow of the Royal Society in London. His liberal, open intellect made him a pioneer in the area of intermedial understanding and allowed him to effect a mutual exchange of European and Asian culture. Typeset clearly and handsomely, the work is written in French and includes Japanese characters and transliterations throughout. In addition to the title page, which features a metal engraving with tissue guard, there is a special Oriental Translation Fund page that states that this particular copy was printed expressly for Peter Johnston, esq., of Canrsalloch, a subscriber to the Fund. There is an Ambassador College Library stamp and notation on this page. In the back of the book, there is an Oriental Translation Fund masthead and list of published works. The volume shows very mild external wear, and is very solidly bound with clear pages that all show beautifully. The pages are all present, intact and free of damage; there is some very occasional scattered age toning. There is an unidentified stamp on the reverse of the title page. The book measures approximately 10"" x 12.5"" and contains 458 pages. Shipping cost (within the U.S.) for this lot will be: $6.50" ImagesClick on thumbnails to see larger images: 
View CNY Book Auctions next auction.Similar lots up for auction |
4748791
