Auction details
10:00 AM PT - Dec 10th, 2008
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PERRY, M. C.; Commodore. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. Washington: A. O. P. Nicholson, 1856. 4to (285 x 225 mm). Vol. 1 with 89 lithographic plates (many tinted), 2 folding maps, and 3 facsmiles of Japanese paintings, numerous in-text woodcuts; Vol. 2 with 27 natural history plates (18 hand-colored), 16 charts, 14 large fold-out maps at rear; Vol. 3 with 352 zodiacal charts. Contemporary half black morocco over burgundy pebbled cloth boards, spines stamped and lettered in gilt. Condition: a few leaves with short tears; bindings dried, chipped, and cracked. first edition. "In March of 1852, Perry was appointed commander of a naval expedition to Japan, with orders to induce the Japanese government to enter into diplomatic relations with the United States. Perry believed that the only way to force Japan to abandon her isolationist foreign policy was through a display of superior naval force. After his entry into Araga Harbor on July 8, 1853, the Japanese were eventually compelled to accept a treaty stipulating better treatment of shipwrecked seamen and opening the ports of Hakodate and Shimoda. The most significant result, however, was that Perry's visit contributed to the collapse of the feudal regime and to the subsequent modernization of Japan" (Hill 1332). This copy without the nude bathing plate. Hill 1332; Sabin 30968.ImagesClick on thumbnails to see larger images: 
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