Yedo and Peking
A Narrative of a Journey to the Capitals of Japan and China

A lively and illuminating account of Scottish botanist Robert Fortune's travels through Japan and China, first published in 1863.

Robert Fortune (Author)

9781108045926, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 11 October 2012

440 pages, 20 b/w illus. 2 maps
21.6 x 14 x 2.5 cm, 0.56 kg

When Scottish botanist Robert Fortune (1812–80) travelled to Japan in 1860, shortly after it had reopened to foreign visitors for the first time in centuries, he found the islands to be both mysterious and dangerous. This work, first published in 1863, is Fortune's spirited account of his travels, from Nagasaki to Yedo (modern-day Tokyo) and then on to Peking (Beijing). Fortune had previously spent several years in China researching tea plants and tea-growing technology, which he later introduced to the plantations of India. (His books on his experiences in China are also reissued in the Cambridge Library Collection.) An engaging raconteur, Fortune includes here not only detailed horticultural information, but also his observations and opinions on Japan's 'strange people and their very beautiful land'. This remains for scholars and general readers an illuminating piece of travel writing, enhanced by the illustrations throughout.

Preface
1. First view of Japan
2. We leave Nagasaki
3. Town of Kanagawa
4. Journey from Kanagawa to Yedo
5. The city of Yedo
6. The country round Yedo
7. A journey in search of new plants
8. Residence of the Abbé Girard
9. Leave Yedo
10. Adieu to Yokuhama
11. Return to Japan
12. Invitation from the American minister to visit Yedo
13. Return to Kanagawa
14. Journey into the country
15. Assassinations
16. Climate of Japan
17. Other productions of Japan
18. Narrative resumed
19. Leave Shangae for Peking
20. The people of Tien-tsin
21. Leave Tien-tsin for Peking
22. The streets of Peking
23. A journey to the mountains
Index.

Subject Areas: Asian history [HBJF]