"A Narrative of a Three Years' Residence in Japan" (1860 to 1863). Japan was terra incognita, isolated for centuries from the outside world, when the author was appointed the first British Ambassador, arriving in Nagasaki. Culture, language, opposition to foreigners, politics and geography all covered in this first volume. Sir Alcock had had much diplomatic experience previously in China. Brown cloth with gilt title on the spine. Some wear at the spine ends and corners. Inside, hinges tight, no foxing or browning but a few minor spots. Nicely illustrated.