Narrative of the Expedition to the China Seas and Japan. 1852-1854. by PERRY, Commodore Matthew C.:

Mineola: Dover Publications, 2000.. Unabridged reproduction of the work originally published in Washington in 1856. "Naval officer Matthew Perry set sail for Japan in 1852 with a small escort of ships and a huge commission - persuading the Japanese government to emerge from isolation and enter economic and diplomatic relations with the United States....Exciting highlights include Perry's flagship dropping anchor in Tokyo Bay to a markedly chilly reception, tense diplomatic standoffs, and sumptuous parties hosted by representatives of both governments....Enhanced with over 200 rare illustrations, this remarkable historical document also offers a mangnificent travelogue, brimming with revealing anecdotes and picturesque details about Singapore, Mauritius, Macao, the Bonin Islands and other exotic locales." 27.5cms x 20.5cms. Pp.xviii/537, occasional reproductions of lithographs throughout. Paperback, colour illustrations to inside covers. VG.