Hildreth's "Japan as It Was and Is": A Handbook of Old Japan, Volume 1 (of 2)

"Japan as It Was and Is" by Richard Hildreth is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This work seeks to provide a detailed analysis of Japan during its early interactions with European nations, focusing on the Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch encounters from the 13th century onward. The book presents a rich compilation of observations from various explorers and historical records that reflect Japan's culture, politics, and society during that era. The opening of the book includes introductory notes and an advertisement for the original edition, establishing the context for Hildreth's exploration of Japan. He discusses how his interest in Japan was piqued by the American expedition led by Commodore Perry. Hildreth emphasizes his aim to compile various European accounts that shed light on Japan's history and culture, arguing that this is a topic often overlooked in Western scholarship. The beginning sets the stage for a detailed exploration of Japan's historical timeline and the perspectives of significant figures such as Marco Polo and early Portuguese explorers, which will be elaborated upon in the subsequent chapters.