Excerpt from Japan and the Japanese Illustrated
The richly-illustrated work on Japan, of which a translation is now offered to the English - reading world, has acquired high estimation on the continent of Europe, for the evident fidelity with which it portrays the scenery of this interesting country, and the varied life of its singular people. Its author, M. Aime Humbert, obtained his copious material during a residence of two years in the country, in 1863-1864, as Minister Plenipotentiary of the Swiss Republic; availing himself of the privilege of travelling outside the barriers of. The foreign settlement at Yokohama, a privilege at that time exclusively accorded to diplomatists of the Treaty Powers, to obtain subjects for his pen and pencil in quarters inaccessible to the ordinary inquirer. How genially he appreciated all he saw, and how pleasantly he communicates the knowledge he acquired, will be understood by all readers of the following pages.
M. Humbert relates, in the Introduction to the original French Edition, that he was accompanied in all his peregrinations by a faithful attach ; to whom, without mentioning him by name, he wishes to be attributed a portion of the credit of his work. Together, he says, they studied the country and the people, visiting the neighbouring towns, and rambling at all seasons over the pleasant country around the Bay of Yeddo. Armed with their sketching implements and a note-book, they jetted down their observations; sometimes seated at the foot of an ancient cedar; sometimes squatted on the threshold of a rustic tavern; or again, more slyly, intrenched in the back shop of some friendly tradesman, who good-naturedly aided them in their inquiries. A large number of photographs were taken, under M. Humbert’s own eye; and he speaks of the treasures, in the way of engravings.
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