Godaishu-chu: Kaitei Ryoko

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The first Japanese edition of Jules Verne`s classic science fiction novel `Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea` (originally published in 1870) published under that title, complete in two volumes and with numerous black and white illustrations. This translation by Ohira Sanji was published 7 months after the first Japanese translation (titled `Sixty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea`). Considering that Japanese translations of English classics in the Meiji period were typically published several decades after the original, this translation was produced fairly quickly, suggesting the slightly earlier edition proved popular. Translations of Verne`s works are now credited with being at least partially if not wholly responsible for introducing the genre of science fiction to Japan. In 1886, after the publication of this set, the word `kagaku shosetsu` was introduced into the Japanese language as a direct translation of `science fiction`. The translation of `Twenty Thousand Leagues` was particularly notable for introducing a style typical of `pulp science fiction` (i.e. emphasis on action over characterisation and narrative style) to Japan. Many science fiction novels by Japanese authors published after Verne`s translations strongly bore his influence, like Shunro Oshikawa`s famous `Undersea Warship` series. Original boards. Ex-ownership stamp to first page of v.1. Each volume includes 12 leaves of black and white illustrations (including one duplicate). 2 v., complete. 18.2x12.2cm. 223 + 7, 262 p. Text in Japanese. Seller Inventory # 610

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