An exquisite 19th-century travelogue offering a French missionary's perspective on Meiji-era Japan. Published in 1893 by the renowned Alfred Mame et Fils in Tours, France, this volume is a classic example of the era's "Japonisme" interest and high-quality publisher's bindings.
Historical Context & Content: Written by Abbé G. Bruley des Varannes, an apostolic missionary, this book titled "Le Japon d'Aujourd'hui" (Japan Today) captures the landscapes, customs, and daily life of Japan during the late 19th century. It features numerous illustrations, including a frontispiece of a Shinto priest, scenes of tea harvesting, views of Mt. Fuji, and more.
Binding: The book features a stunning original publisher's binding (cartonnage éditeur) in red percaline cloth. The front cover is elaborately stamped in black and gold with floral motifs and a central title cartouche. All edges are gilt (AEG).
Condition Report: Grade: Good to Fair (B-)
Exterior: The binding remains solid and attractive. The gilt stamping is still bright. There is bumping and wear to the corners and spine ends consistent with age.
Interior: Significant foxing (brown spotting) is present throughout the pages, particularly heavily on the title page and margins. No missing pages or significant tears observed.
Provenance/Ephemera: Includes an antique scrap of paper (fragment of a receipt/letter c. late 19th/early 20th century) found used as a bookmark.
Specifications:
Publisher: Alfred Mame et Fils, Tours
Date: 1893 (2nd Edition)
Language: French
Size: Approx. 27.5 cm x 18.5 cm (Quarto)
Format: Hardcover, All Edges Gilt
A beautiful display piece and a fascinating historical document for collectors of Japonica, travel exploration, or 19th-century decorative bindings.
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