MITFORD, A. B. “Tales of Old Japan” [Macmillan, 1883] Fairy Tales

MITFORD, A. B. Tales of Old Japan.

London: Macmillan and Co., 1883. New edition. 7.5" x 5.5", xii + 383pp with 31 woodcut illustrations drawn and cut by Japanese artists. Original blue-green cloth pictorially stamped in black, upper board with decorative design, spine lettered in blind and gilt. Noticeable wear and fraying at spine ends, some rubbing to cloth. Spine text faded. Hinges starting. Includes the memorable “Gokumon” execution plate and other dramatic narrative scenes. Good+.

One of the foundational English-language books introducing Japanese folklore, customs, and samurai-era tales to Victorian readers. First published in 1871 after Mitford’s diplomatic service in Japan, the work became enormously influential in shaping Western fascination with Japanese history and legend during the height of Japonisme. The Japanese-cut woodblock illustrations remain the chief attraction, giving the book a visual character absent from most contemporary travel accounts and making even later nineteenth-century editions consistently collectible.