This authentic Edo-period Japanese woodblock-printed book is part of the historical and anecdotal literature series Rikoku Kidan (理國奇談), a collection of unusual, moral, and historical tales associated with figures and events from Japan’s past.
This volume is clearly identified on the original cover as 和荘兵衛編 (compiled by Washō Hyōe) and marked 兵, indicating its position within the multi-volume series. The inner title page names Katō Shūboku (加藤周木) as the central subject and authorial attribution for this part.
Printed in the late Edo period (early–mid 19th century), the book is entirely produced using traditional woodblock printing, featuring dense classical Japanese text (kuzushiji) arranged in framed columns. The narrative style aligns with kidan (奇談) literature — anecdotal, moralistic, and semi-historical storytelling intended for educated readers.
Unlike purely fictional yomihon, Rikoku Kidan occupies a space between historical record, moral essay, and narrative biography, making it valuable for collectors of Edo intellectual culture and regional literature.
Details
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Title: 理國奇談
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Romanization: Rikoku Kidan
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Compiler / Series Editor: 和荘兵衛 (Washō Hyōe)
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Volume Marking: 兵
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Inner Title / Author: 加藤周木 (Katō Shūboku)
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Period: Edo period (early–mid 19th century)
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Genre: Kidan (anecdotal historical narrative)
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Language: Classical Japanese (kuzushiji)
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Printing: Original Edo-period woodblock printing
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Binding: Traditional fukuro-toji (stab binding)
Volumes from Rikoku Kidan are increasingly scarce, particularly individual character-focused volumes such as this Katō Shūboku installment. Sets were often dispersed, and single surviving volumes are now commonly encountered on the market.
This book represents a genuine artifact of Edo-period moral literature, regional history, and woodblock publishing culture.
