Seigaku Zusetsu, Seigaku Zui星學圖説 星學圖彙 [Illustrated Astronomy]

Seigaku Zusetsu 2 vols. [Together with:] Seigaku Zui 1 vol. 28 plates. Orig wrappers. 8vo (23.2 × 15.5 cm). 東京中外堂, Tokyo, 辛未冬開彫, 1871

A rare Meiji-period Japanese translation of Asa Smith’s Illustrated Astronomy, rendered by Kanda Takahira (1836–1898)—one of the earliest Japanese scholars to systematize modern Western science. Published in 1871, this three-volume set (Seigaku Zusetsu, 2 vols.; Seigaku Zui, 1 vol.) was among the first comprehensive introductions to Western astronomy in Japan.

Derived from Asa Smith’s popular American textbook Smith’s Illustrated Astronomy (New York, 1848), Kanda’s translation faithfully adapts its visual pedagogy into Japanese, combining clear diagrams with explanatory text to elucidate the heliocentric system, planetary motion, eclipses, and the structure of the solar system. The accompanying Seigaku Zui contains 28 finely executed plates, depicting planetary orbits, lunar phases, constellations, and observational instruments.

Original wrappers lightly rubbed and soiled, otherwise a very good, complete set.

Please note: A 10% consumption tax will be added for orders shipped within Japan.