Waei Taiyaku Shotoku Ruirei = Examples of English Translations of Official Correspondence, Prepared for Student Interpreters: Part I

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Waei Taiyaku Shotoku Ruirei = Examples of English Translations of Official Correspondence, Prepared for Student Interpreters: Part I

Mutsu, Munemitsu [arranged by]; Ka, Kōgo [edited by].

Kanagawa: Kanagawa-ken [Kanagawa Prefecture], 1873.

A fascinating record of the practical, diplomatic, and cultural challenges faced by the Japanese government in the early years following the opening of the country to foreign trade. In the preface, Kanagawa Governor Mutsu Munemitsu describes the work as a "collection of the official correspondence of, and the documents sent by, this [the Kanagawa] Government office to the Foreign Consuls at this port [Yokohama] and the Japanese representatives abroad, with the exception of such documents, the importance of which precludes their being made public". Despite the caution implied by this final qualification, the volume is a remarkable repository of early Meiji-period encounters and disputes between Japanese citizens and foreign visitors and residents. Most of the correspondence concerns claims, complaints (particularly over unpaid goods and services), and contractual matters, though more unusual texts include notices regarding the construction of an American jail, an "answer to a notification of the anniversary of the birth day [sic] of Washington", and an "answer to a notification of the anniversary of the accession of Russian Emperor [sic]". One section presents the letters in English, while another provides the same texts in Japanese, the work having been produced "to help the official translators to a speedy attainment of the English language, as far as translation from Japanese into English is concerned". Although the title designates the book as "Part I", no further parts appear to have been published. A valuable record of early Meiji era cross-cultural political and legal drama, edited by the acclaimed interpreter, translator, and trade official Ka Kōgo (Kōgorō).

One Western-bound volume, complete, gilt title to upper board. Light wear and minor stains to boards. Binding lightly cracked. Leaves mellowed. Very light stains to leaf extremities. A few minor marks and occasional small wormholes internally. Housed in non-original custom chitsu case. [8], 51; 7, 74 p. 20.5 x 14.3 cm.

Waei Taiyaku Shotoku Ruirei = Examples of English Translations of Official Correspondence, Prepared for Student Interpreters: Part I
Price: $1,860.00 (USD)