Fortune Telling by Japanese Swords. by HAMAGUCHI, O., & Talbot Clifton - 1905: From Old Japanese MSS.

London: Printed for Private Circulation by John Lane, The Bodley Head, 1905. Book. Very Good +. Hardcover. Signed by Author(s). 1st Edition. First UK Edition, First Printing. Pp. vi. 107. 1 blank. 52 black and white illustrations of swords. Original red cloth, titles and sword design to spine in gilt, Rising Sun design to front board in gilt, top edge gilt. Boards slightly darkened, very light fade to rear and light rubbing to corners. A sprinkle of spotting to pages, tightly bound. neat owner bookplate to half title page. This work, translated by the hunter and explorer John Talbot Clifton (1868-1928), collects together "two or three books on fortune telling by swords" which Clifton discovered "while wandering in Japan" (preface). Signed, dated and Inscribed by the author ( (T) - Talbot ) to the half title page. Exceptionally scarce, the only signed copy that has come up for sale. .