The Complete Journal of Townsend Harris

By Mario Emilio Cosenza

"The Complete Journal of Townsend Harris" offers an unparalleled first-hand account of one of the most significant diplomatic missions in history. As the first United States Consul General to Japan, Townsend Harris meticulously recorded his experiences during his tenure in the mid-19th century, documenting the delicate and often arduous negotiations that led to the opening of Japan to the Western world. This volume provides a detailed window into the late Edo period, capturing Harris's keen observations on Japanese culture, administrative politics, and the complexities of international relations during a time of monumental transition.

Through his daily entries, readers gain insight into the immense challenges of establishing the first American consulate in Shimoda and the persistence required to secure the landmark Treaty of Amity and Commerce. Harris's writing serves as a bridge between two vastly different civilizations, making this work a foundational text for understanding the origins of modern United States-Japan relations. This collection, edited by Mario Emilio Cosenza, preserves the integrity of Harris's voice and observations, offering historians and readers a vital primary source on 19th-century diplomacy and the transformative era of Japanese history.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025568923
• ISBN13: 9781025568928
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 670 Pages
• Weight: 2.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.2" x 1.3" x 6.1"