Description
This 1906 edition of Cross and Chrysanthemum: An Episode of Japanese History by Joseph Spillmann, S.J., is a beautifully preserved example of early 20th-century religious historical fiction, issued by R. & T. Washbourne in London and B. Herder in St. Louis. The book’s cloth binding features a striking design that integrates white chrysanthemums with a gold-stamped Christian cross, symbolizing the thematic clash between Japanese imperial culture and Western missionary efforts-central to the novel’s setting in early 17th-century Japan.
The cover also displays the title and author’s name in gold, and the overall aesthetic reflects the high-quality craftsmanship typical of deluxe religious publications of the period. A faint ink-stamped letter “K” on the inner front board likely represents a collector or dealer’s mark, suggesting a traceable provenance or cataloging origin.
Cross and Chrysanthemum recounts the challenges faced by Christian missionaries in Japan during a time of persecution and cultural upheaval. Spillmann, a Swiss Jesuit and noted youth author, weaves romance, history, and religious devotion into a richly detailed narrative designed to both educate and inspire.
Key reasons this copy is valuable and historic:
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Decorative cloth binding featuring white chrysanthemums with a gold-stamped cross and title text
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Jointly published by respected Catholic presses in London and St. Louis, reinforcing its missionary literary roots
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Early 20th-century edition by Joseph Spillmann, a well-known Jesuit author and historian
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Ink-stamped letter on the inner board offers provenance interest for collectors
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Reflects themes of faith, cultural conflict, and missionary history in Japan between 1598 and 1613
A superb find for collectors of religious literature, decorative bindings, or historically themed fiction, this copy stands out for both its visual appeal and its cultural depth.
