Zuijin Guowen Jiaokeshu 最新国文教科書. circa 1904.

Item #90418

Zuijin Guowen Jiaokeshu 最新国文教科書. circa 1904. Shanghai? [Commercial Press 商務印書館]. 22 x 13.5cm String bound fukuro toji with 59 cho, complete as such. A small Chinese schoolbook from the early 20th century. Chinese text with over 70 charming monochrome wood engravings that illustrate each lesson. Introduction and index in Chinese text. This textbook for primary school students appears to have been published around 1904 in Shanghai, towards the end of the Imperial age. The editors were a group of progressive educators who published their work via the Commercial Press [商務印書館]. See this article in Japanese about the book in hand: http://www.cim.chinesecio.com/hbcms/f/article/info?id=44070644b7014c239ee0ae995e02723a

It is a wonderful "Dick and Jane" sort of book with charming woodblock illustrations which capture the worldview of the time. It is also clear that the concerns of children - family, home, pets, etc. are universal. Brings a smile to our faces every time we peruse the book.

There is some corner folding and wear but no scribbles and the paper, though thin, is strong. Has the remains of the original title slip; the blue cloth bindings may be replacements. Perhaps the equivalent of a library or school durable binding? Sewn East Asian style. Fading to wrappers and damage to title slip. Tear on fore-corner of first cho otherwise does not extend to art work.

Price: $285.00