#N4-037
1877
First edition.
An important early translation introducing Western perspectives on the question of sex work. The original book, De la prostitution dans la ville de Paris, considérée sous le rapport de l'hygiène publique, de la morale et de l'administration, was published in 1836 by J.-B. Baillière in two volumes. Its author, Alexandre Parent du Châtelet (1790–1836), was a medical doctor and hygienist. The book, considered his opus magnum, is a historical and sociological study of prostitution in Paris, based on police archives. Published posthumously, it achieved enormous success.
Thirty years later, Parent du Châtelet's work found followers in Japan. Little is known about the translator, Tone Sōjirō, other than that he was based in Mie Prefecture. He privately published the book, replicating the original illustrations through copperplate engraving—an early example of this technique in Japan.
According to OCLC, there are no known copies of this translation in libraries outside Japan. Additionally, only one other copy (the second volume) is currently available on the market.
Text in Japanese.
2 vols complete. [1]+28+3 plates of engravings; 28+3 pl. 18,4х12,4 cm. Woodblock printed book. Monochrome copper plate engravings. Traditional fukuro toji binding. Paper wrappers are rubbed and slightly soiled. Original title slips. Silk hanagire are intact. Near fine condition.
