|
|
Japanese Garden Construction by NEWSOM, Samuel
Book Description
Tokyo: Domoto, Kumagawa and Perkins, 1939. First edition. Inscribed and signed by the publisher, Mr. Kaji, and signed by the author. Quarto (11 x 9 inches). [xiv], 302 pp. plus numerous full page photographic illustrations and plans of Japanese gardens. English text, printed on mulberry paper. Publisher's binding in the Japanese manner of green silk boards held by purple string ties, lettered in English on front in gilt and in Japanese on paper cover label. Original printed card slipcase (some wear and one chip). An excellent copy. The book comes with a letter from the owner describing the occasion of its receipt; "Dear ***, The 'Japanese Garden Construction' is a unique book in many ways and the history of its coming to me reads like a novel. I believe it to be of good value. Mr. Kaji told me there were but thirty volumes [i.e. copies] printed. Of this number only six were in the United States. One book each to Harvard, Amherst, Smithsonian, U. of C. Berkeley, Huntington Library and this copy [since shown not to be the case]. Mr. Kaji came from a prominent family with a political background. He graduated from Amherst College and developed a love for Americans. Upon his return to japan he entered the Foreign Service. But his thought and feelings did not agree with the war-like politicians of the time. He returned to private life. In order to make a contribution to further cultural exchanges with the United States, he conceived the idea of this book. He wishes to share the theoretical and practical aspects of the basic principles underlying the construction of Japanese gardens. It was a one man operation. He paid all the bills, selected the author, procured scarce paper (this is from a mulberry bush) and found a publisher. All while Japan was arming for war. NO where is the name Kaji mentioned. He was anonymous to the extreme. Perhaps this was advisable at the time in order to save his family from unpleasantness among the powerful families of Japan--who were anti-U.S. I have no proof of the above--but believe it to be a true account. Ellen and I attended the 1953 Rose Bowl game . Afterwards there was a big cocktail party at the Mackeys Thompsoms home on Virginia Road, San Marino. Among the guests was the Mackeys commanding officer during the war-- Admiral (Dusty) Rhodes. In talking to the Admiral I mentioned that we were going to spend a month in Japan (May 1954). He wrote down my name, date of arrival and hotel. He said he would write a 'friend' there and possibly he would look us up. I had nearly forgotten this encounter, but when we checked in the Imperial Hotel there were flowers in our room and a note asking me to come to the lobby to see a visitor. It was Mr. Kaji. After many bows and handshakes the following story unfolded. During the war Mr. Kaji was placed in charge of the American Officers prison camp. He strictly followed the Geneva Convention rules on prisoners of war. Thus he became very unpopular with the Japanese after our heavy, deadly, aerial bombardment of Tokyo--which wiped out about 80% of the city. With the signing of the Peace Treaty aboard the USS Missouri, ugly crowds ran rampant--before American soldiers and sailors could restore order. LKaji was a prime suspect as being a Yankee-love. Shaort wave radio repots reached Admiral Rhodes, telling of the danger to Kajis life. Admiral Rhodes ordered a detail of Marines to rescue Kaji. They arrived just in time. Thus, in oriental custom, Kaji owes his life to Rhodes. However he never saw or heard from Rhodes until a letter arrived telling of my arrival. So we greatly benefited from this background. Mr. Kaji could not do enough for us. He showed us Tokyo. Took us to a geisha house where his ancestors had gone for generation.... Mr. Kaji presented this book to us. I feel very humble that all of this flowed to me--because of the good deeds of another"
Bookseller Terms of Sale
TBA
|
Cart 0 items 
(US)