Description
This is a book about the life of Isaac Titsingh, a Dutchman who lived in Japan and became friends with the shogun's father-in-law, Shimazu Shigehide. Titsingh attempted to help Japan become more open and modern, but was disappointed in the country's progress. After he left Japan, he wrote a book about his experiences, which was published in 1822. This book was later translated into English and French, and this annotated edition is the first time it has been available in English in 180 years.
Isaac Titsingh was head of the Japanese station of the Dutch East India Company 1780-94. He was a career merchant, but unusual in having a classical education and training as a physician. He could also read Chinese. In Japan, his impact was enormous. He became a friend and confidant of the shogun's father-in-law, the famously wise but wily Shimazu Shigehide, almost causing war between father and son-in-law. He also attempted the project of equipping Japan with an ocean-going fleet. However, he left Japan disappointed in the ability of the country to embrace change. After many years in India he settled in Paris, where he wrote down his experiences. It is one of the most exciting journals of the period and reveals the almost unknown world of eighteenth-century Japan, discussing politics, history, poetry and rituals. The Illustrations of Japan appeared posthumously in 1822 in English and French. This fully annotated edition makes the original English version available for the first time in 180 years.
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