Préfecture

1892 · 170411 — No details of publisher. Circa1892. 2 volumes. Volume I: Two leaves with black and white line illustrations showing a uniform 583pp prior owner's seal on first leaf. Volume 2: Folding table at rear variously paginated over 600 pages prior owner's seal on cover. Some light occasional soiling and corners trifle creased. Wrappers with string ties. These two thick volumes were published in the 1890s probably by Mie prefectural government for managing their prison system. The volumes give details of all the rules and legislation relating to prisoners and prison guards. They offer rare historical information on the Japanese prison system in the late 19th century at the time when Japan was in the process of westernisation. <br> <br>The prison system and related legislation was set up in Meiji Japan and followed two European systems French and German. Until 1900 prisons were run by both local and central governments when their management was transferred to the central government. These 2 volumes were published by Mie Prefectural government prior to the transfer to central government and reflect the local system as it was before transition. <br> <br>The Japanese prison system to this day is well known for its strict and detailed rules and regulations. The first of these volumes covers the treatment daily schedules and inspections of prisoners as well as the handling prisoners with infectious diseases. The volume also lists numerous regulations relating to prison guards' work. The second volume is a collection of relevant rules and legislation on prison and prisoner handling. <br> <br>An important detailed resource for anyone interested in the prison system in the late 19th century. We have been unable to find this handbook in any institutional holdings. . No details of publisher. unknown