McLeod, N. Illustrations to the Epitome of the Ancient History of Japan.

AUCTION 57 | Thursday, January 31st, 2013 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts Autograph Letters, Graphic & Ceremonial Art

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Lot 132

(JAPAN).

McLeod, N. Illustrations to the Epitome of the Ancient History of Japan.

Third Edition. Title-page, two leaf list of subscribers, five introductory leaves, followed by eighty-three engraved plates, letterpress list of contents at end. Endpapers browned, gutter entirely split, loose in original gilt-stamped green limp boards, extremities scuffed. Oblong 8vo.

Tokyo: 1878

Est: $600 - $900

PRICE REALIZED $550

A most curious volume identifying the Shindai class of Japan as descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. The author, a Scottish explorer, traveled extensively in Japan, then under the rule of the Shogun, and came to the conclusion that the noble Samurai are descendants of two of the Ten Lost Tribes, Ephraim and Menasseh. Although the origins of the Japanese race are shrouded in mystery, the putative claim that the Japanese nobility are exiles from the Northern Kingdom of Israel, might be considered tentative at best. See EJ, XII cols. 249-52.