Western Affairs - Seiyo Jijo

This is a masterpiece by Fukuzawa Yukichi that introduced Western civilization. It consists of three parts, the first of which was published in 1866 (Keio 2), the second in 1868 (Meiji 1), and the third in 1870. It introduces the history, systems, and national conditions of Western countries, as well as the cultural artifacts, society, and human nature common to Western civilization, and became a best-seller as it became a great introduction to the Western world for people at the time who had just opened their borders from isolation. Although most of the work is based on Western books, its introductions to newspapers, hospitals, poorhouses, and libraries, the American Declaration of Independence, and its explanations of civilized society centered on freedom, autonomy, and human rights demonstrate Fukuzawa's sharp insight.

[Masaki Hirota]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

西洋文明を紹介した福沢諭吉(ゆきち)の名著。3編からなり、初編は1866年（慶応2）、外編は68年（明治1）、2編は70年の刊行。西洋諸国の歴史、制度、国情、西洋文明社会に共通する文物や社会、人間のあり方を紹介して、鎖国から解かれたばかりの当時の人々にとって好個の西洋世界入門書となり、ベストセラーとなった。ほとんどが洋書を種本としているが、新聞、病院、貧院、図書館の紹介、アメリカ独立宣言の紹介、自由自主や人間の権利を中心とした文明社会の解説は、福沢の鋭い洞察力を示すものである。

［広田昌希］

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