Will Adams, The First Englishman in Japan, A Romantic Biography

Dalton, William

Published by James Blackwood & Co., London, 1875

About this Item

Not dated but ca 1875, a later edition, 12mo (5 1/2 x 7 1/2 in - 14 x 18.8 cm), green decorated cloth with gilt decoration and lettering on the spine, black and white woodcut frontispiece, 18 black and white woodcut illustrations in text, 6 pages of Blackwood advertisements at the rear, xvi, 298 pp. The listing of illustrations notes an title page but an illustrated title page is not present, only an unillustrated one. After the author's name on the title page appears "Author of 'Stories of Conquests of Mexico and Peru' The Powder Monkey,' 'Persian Chief,' &c." This is not generally found on other editions of the book. This book, which was first published in 1861, is a fictional account of Will Adams life with the focus on his life in Japan. The book is written in the first person using the construct of a fellow shipwrecked sailor named Melichor von Santvoort (an actual member of the Dutch fleet) who was also a member of the ill-fated Dutch fleet that brought Adams to Japan in early 1600. This is an early Western account of Japanese polictics, Japanese royalty, the Christian faith in Japan, Western contact with Japan, and life in general Japan in the 17th century (1600-1650). ~ Condition. The book is in Very good condition. The corners are lightly bumped and frayed. There are small areas of bubbling on the front and back board. Edges of the spine lightly rubbed. The decoration and gilt are strong and bright. The front inner hinges is cracked. The binding is solid and tight. Gift inscription in ink dated "August 25, 1900" on the front free paper. The text is in Fine condition with no foxing, toning or staining. Seller Inventory # 1875071015

Bibliographic Details

Title: Will Adams, The First Englishman in Japan, A...

Publisher: James Blackwood & Co., London

Publication Date: 1875

Condition: Very Good