PERRY, Matthew Calbraith (1794-1858). Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan, performed in the years 1852, 1853 and 1854... Washington: Vols. I & II, Beverley Tucker, Vol. III A. O. P. Nicholson, 1856.

3 volumes, 4to (289 x 223 mm). Vol. I: 87 lithographed plates (most tinted) INCLUDING THE RARE SUPPRESSED BATHING PLATE facing p.408, 3 color facsimiles of Japanese woodblock prints (2 folding), 6 maps (2 folding), numerous in-text woodcuts throughout. Vol. II: 27 lithographed plates (18 hand-colored), 16 lithographed wind and current diagrams, 16 folding maps (several with tears repaired verso). Vol. III: 352 wood-engraved star charts. (Some browning and staining, dampstaining to Vol. III.) Modern half calf gilt. Provenance: J. L. Natch (signature, title-page vol. III).

FIRST EDITION, Senate issue (Vols. I & II), House issue (Vol. III) WITH THE SUPPRESSED BATHING PLATE in Volume I. Matthew C. Perry, appointed by Congress to a diplomatic relationship with Japan, embarked in 1852 on a three-year mission of discovery. "As one of the chief diplomatic achievements of the 19th century, the opening of Japan (by the treaty negotiated by Perry) will long make the name of Perry memorable.... In June 1855 Perry was ordered to Washington, where his chief duty for more than a year was the preparation of a report of his expedition, which was published by the government in 1856" (DAB). His mission resulted in the signing of the treating opening Japan to the West. Perry's "visit contributed to the collapse of the feudal regime and to the modernization of Japan" (Hill). Hill 1332; Sabin 30968.

Property from the Dorros Family Collection