Given the scarcity of data relating to trade with Japan in 1861-1910, the Cornes archive is of great significance. A complete transcript on CD forms part of this volume, which in turn is supported in Part 2 by content summaries of all the private letters and copy books. Part 1 considers the life...

Peter Davies in his paper outlines the major trends in the development of Japan's commercial shipping prior to World War I. The paper focusses in particular on the role played by the Japanese government, arguing that the promotion of the industry was undertaken primarily not for commercial, but...