I Am a Cat (Chapter I & II)
Rare Books and Special Collections holds the first English edition of 吾輩は猫である I Am a Cat (EA 5933 N271 16), a classic of modern Japanese literature by Natsume Sōseki (1867–1916).
This edition contains an English translation of the first two chapters of the novel, translated by Andō Kan’ichi (1878–1924). It is significant not only because it represents the earliest English translation of the Japanese original, but because Natsume himself proofread and revised the translation. As a result, it reflects the author’s original intentions.
Natsume Sōseki was one of the most celebrated figures in modern Japanese literature and often regarded as the first modern novelist of Japan. He studied English literature at Tokyo Imperial University (now known as the University of Tokyo) from 1890 to 1893.
In 1905, he published his debut novel, I Am a Cat, which was an immediate success and established his reputation as a writer. Through the perspective of a cat, this novel satirised Japanese society during the Meiji era.
There are four illustrations, two on the covers and two inside, created by Hashiguchi Goyō (1880–1921), an artist, printer, and book designer in the late Meiji to Taishō periods. Hashiguchi was a notable artist leading the shin hanga (new prints) movement, aimed to revitalise the traditional Ukiyo-e woodblock printing. He also bound and designed many Natsume’s books, including the book featured here.
As a rare, fist English edition, this book offers great teaching and research potentials in disciplines such as translation studies, comparative literature, book history, and art design. It also provides a window to study intercultural communication, cross-cultural knowledge exchange, as well as the reception of Japanese modern literature in the Anglophone world.
This item was acquired using the J A & M Gilbert fund.
Call number: EA 5933 N271 16
Access this item
Rare Books and Special Collections (RBSC) can be accessed by staff, students and academics (using existing University credentials), as well as the general public (by registering for a free RBSC community membership).
This item can be located in the Library catalogue. Make a request to view an item, under "more options" (at least 2 business days in advance). Then visit the Rare Books and Special Collections Reading Room during opening hours to view.
This item is also available to view and download through the Digital Collections website: I Am a Cat.
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- Academic-led classes
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- using digitised content
Contact
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