Meiji Japan, A Sailor’s Visit With a History of the Case-Oil Trade George R.R. Martin and communities that existed outside

and communities that existed outside the formal class structure—such as priests

Mirrors of the Soul

presenting Israel’s deep historical layers through expertly curated text and stunning photography

and the historic streets of London with the same gentle precision that defined his iconic literary career

Meiji Japan, A Sailor’s Visit With a History of the Case-Oil Trade George R.R. Martin and communities that existed outsideThe book provides a rare maritime perspective on Japan during the Meiji Era (18681912), a period defined by rapid modernization and the opening of the country to Western commerce. A central focus of the book is the "case oil" industrythe transport of kerosene in five gallon tin cans packed in wooden crates. This was a critical precursor to the modern bulk oil trade and played a vital role in lighting Meiji era Japan before widespread electrification.