Beautiful, hand printed, bright colors. Purchased in 1981. ca. $250 - 400 this cond 0607.

Book Description: Kobunsha - T. Hasegawa, Tokyo, 1885. Book Condition: Good. Sensei Eitaku (illustrator). First Edition. 12mo. [First Edition, Momotaro, T. Hasegawa/Kobunsha, Color Woodblock book]. "Little Peachling," No. 1, Japanese Fairy Tale Series (English), Meiji 18 (1885), Tokyo (No. 2 Minami Sayegicho), Kobunsha imprint, first edition, first printing, title on cover is in phonetic Japanese (transliterated) rather than translated into English, English title is stated on the first page, medium size for a Hasegawa/Kobunsha book, 12mo (5 x 7 1/4 in - 12.5 x 18.2 cm), plain paper (not crepe) in double folded sheets, spine not covered, stab tied with silk threads, 18 pp - 9 double folded (including covers). The front cover is nicely illustrated in colors. The back cover is lightly illustrated. This format book (phonetic Japanese title, plain paper) is considered by many to represent the true first edition of the early Hasegawa fairy tale books. Sensei Eitaku was the artist who created the illustrations. Translated from Japanese to English by David Thompson. The colophon indicates a printing date of August 17, Meiji 18 (1885) and a publication date of December the same month. ~ Condition. The book is in Good condition. The upper right portion of the front cover has a repaired tear. Corners are rounded. Inside the front cover there is a bookseller's handstamp. Internally very clean.