An elementary book of geology written for the enlightenment of "women and children" during the Meiji era, which was also used as a textbook and was a best seller. Six volumes: Vol. 1: Asia; Vol. 2: Africa; Vol. 3: Europe; Vol.4: North America; Vol.5: South America and Oceania; Vol.6: Appendix. Translated from British and American geology and history books with the purpose to "widen people's knowledge of the world affairs and to establish the basis of people's welfare." It was published to meet the demands of Japan, a country which had just opened itself to the world.
There are many contrivances to make the book easy to read. The letters
were written in the running style, which were used as a copybook of calligraphy.
The style in seven-and-five syllable meter was suitable for reading aloud.
This rhythmical tone naturally encouraged recitation. There is a suggestion
that this rhythm had some relationship with later military songs. Illustrations
also help readers understand the content.
This book met with a positive public response and was reprinted in 1871. There was another edition of reprint bound together in three volumes. A version without illustrations was published in 1872, and a square style version was published in 1875.
The Museum of Japanese Modern Literature published a reprint of the original
in 1968. |
