Modern First Editions
1. Murakami Haruki
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Murakami Haruki, Hitsuji wo Meguru Bohken (A Wild Sheep Chase). Kodansha, October 15th, 1982. First edition.
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Murakami Haruki, 1973 no Pinbooru (Pinball 1973). Kodansha, June 20th, 1980. First edition. It always surprises me that even later printings of the English language paperback edition of this book change hands for hundreds of dollars, while the original Japanese text is comparatively cheap.
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2. Mishima Yukio
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Mishima Yukio, Kyoko no Ie (Kyoko's House). September 20th, 1969. Two volumes. First edition. Publisher's wraparound band missing from second volume. |
3. Shusaku Endo
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Shusaku Endo, Umi to Dokuyaku (The Sea and Poison). April 10th, 1953. First edition.
Endo is Japan's most famous Catholic writer and one of the leading lights of 20th century Japanese literature.
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Shusaku Endo, Shikai no Hotori (Upon the Dead Sea). June 20th, 1973. First edition. Two volumes, near-fine in d/j and slipcase. Small amount of spotting on front edge.
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4. Murakami Genzo
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Murakami Genzo, Minamoto Yoshitsune. 1952-5. Five volumes (complete). Volume 2 is a second printing, the other four are firsts. A fictionalised account of the life of the legendary samurai warrior. One of the sourcebooks for the seemingly endless supply of historical dramas shown on Japanese television.
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5. Takahashi Takako
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Takahashi Takako, Botsuraku Fusei (Falling Scenery), 1974. First edition. Best known in the West for Lonely Women, Takahashi has never really received a degree of international recognition commensurate with her reputation in Japan. This is her first novel.
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6. Makino Fujio
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Makino Fujio, Gikyoku Senshu (Selected Plays), 1973. First edition. Six plays. Presentation copy to Watanabe Kunio, signed by the author. Makino's work gives a good insight into the dialect and culture of the Nagoya area.
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