This early-Meiji historical volume, titled 《明治太平記 初編 上巻》, is the very first installment of the well-known Meiji Taiheiki series. Printed during the early Meiji era, it introduces the major political shifts, military conflicts, and samurai history that shaped Japan’s transformation from the Tokugawa shogunate to the foundations of a modern nation.
Compiled by 村井静馬 (Murai Seima) and published by 延寿堂 (Enjudō), the book is produced on traditional washi paper with classic Japanese stitched binding (和綴じ). As part of a culturally important historical series, this volume represents the transitional printing style of 19th-century Japanese books, blending narrative literature with vivid illustrative elements.
Historical Significance
The Meiji Taiheiki is a representative work in the genre of rekishi yomihon (historical reading novels). It provides detailed accounts of political upheaval, the fall of the Tokugawa regime, key military figures, and the emergence of the Meiji government. This first volume lays the foundation of the saga, documenting the beginning of Japan’s dramatic national transformation.
Content Highlights
This 上巻 (Part 1) contains full-color woodblock-style illustrations, including depictions of notable historical figures and scenes of political tension. The classical vertical Japanese text presents detailed descriptions of early conflicts, alliances, and strategic developments that defined the era. This volume preserves the original structure, colophon, and publisher pages typical of early-Meiji printing.
Rarity and Collectibility
Volumes from the initial series (初編) of the Meiji Taiheiki are significantly rarer than later printings, especially those with original color illustrations, intact binding, and clean internal pages. This book is highly valued by collectors of Japanese antiques, samurai history, Meiji-era literature, woodblock print culture, and early modern Japanese publishing. It is a historically meaningful artifact ideal for display or archive preservation.
