[MATSUYAMA TOAN]. 松山棟庵.

地学事始. [Chigaku kotohajime].
[Introduction to World Geography].

東京. [Tokyo]. 慶応義塾出版局. [Keio Gijuku Shuppan-kyoku]. Meijji 3 [ 1870]. Stock ID #177398

7 foldout color maps, 6 color flags illustrated in text, 18 x 12 cm, 7 + 23 + 32 + 34 double folded leaves, embossed paper wrappers with Japanese stab binding. Three volumes bound as one. Very good condition.

This introductory textbook on world geography was published in 1870 by Keio Gijuku, present-day Keio University. Matsuyama Toan (1839-1919) was a student of Fukuzawa Yukichi. He was trained as a medical doctor, but learned English under Fukuzawa. This book was based on Cornell's High School Geography by Sarah Cornell, published in 1856 in the United States. Matsuyama translated its content and used the information in this 3 volume book. Volume 1 covers the world and Asia; Volume 2 covers Europe; Volume 3 covers North and South America and Oceania.

This text book was written for "children and women" with numerous illustrations and some colour national flags and fold-out maps. The description of North America is plentiful as the book was based on an American textbook. Australia appears at the end and is mentioned as a wide and dry country with unexplored inland areas.

Three editions were published in Japan in 1870.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 177398.

Price: $295.00 AU

other currencies