signed first edition
1962 · Rutland, VT and Tokyo
by MICHENER, James
Rutland, VT and Tokyo: Charles E. Tuttle Company, 1962. Slightest toning to spine, a few small scuffs to slipcase, overall a fine, fresh and very well preserved copy. Large folio (592 x 422 mm). With Ten Original Prints by Hiratsuka Un'Ichi, Maekawa Sempan, Mori Yoshitoshi, Watanabe Sadao, Kinoshita Tomio, Shima Tamami, Azechi Umetaro, Iwami Reika, Yoshida Masaji, Maki Haku, each signed by the artist. [1]-55, [1, colophon] pages. Original binding by the Okamoto Bindery in original tri-tone linen, stamped in gilt on front boards and spine, uncut; with the original slipcase of unvarnished spruce or Japanese cedar. FIRST EDITION, DELUXE ISSUE, number 459 of 475 copies for sale from an edition of 510 copies, signed by Michener and the ten contributing artists. Printed on handmade kyokushi or Japanese Vellum, the text handset in Perpetua type. Bound at Japanese title burned into the wood on front panel of slipcase. The printing plates were destroyed after publication. "These artists taught me," wrote Michener, "how exciting it is to experiment in new fields and to exercise the mind to its fullest." Groseclose A017. A lavish, lush production.
(Inventory #: 404930)