Engelbert Kaempfer

The story of the traveller Engelbert Kaempfer, and his journeys in Japan. His writings gave the first accurate descriptions of the interior of that country, its people and culture. A qualified physician who spoke several languages, he was also a master draughtsman. His drawings illustrate the book.

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The unpublished papers of 17th century traveller Engelbert Kaempfer were acquired by Sir Hans Sloane, and became part of the foundation collections of the British Museum. This award-winning biography tells the story of Kaempfer's journeys in Japan, which gave the first accurate descriptions of that country, its people and culture. A qualified physician who spoke several languages, he became a master draughtsman, and was a pioneer in many fields of study, from Persian archaeology to Japanese history, and from cartography to botany and medicine. The book is illustrated with Kaempfer's own drawings and other contemporary material.