Solomon in Kimono Value Guide

This 1956 first edition of Solomon in Kimono: Tales of Ooka, a Wise Judge of Old Yedo, is a significant piece of mid-century cross-cultural literature. It is highly collectible for its role in introducing the legendary Japanese magistrate Ooka Tadasuke to Western audiences through the evocative illustrations of Sanae Yamazaki.

What Is Solomon in Kimono Worth?

The typical price range for Solomon in Kimono is $100 - $110 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and condition of the original dust jacket significantly impact the $100-$110 price range.
• Overall structural integrity of the cloth spine and the absence of foxing on the paper pages.
• Rarity of the first printing compared to later educational or library reprints.
• Provenance or markings indicating it belonged to a notable collection of Japanese-themed literature.

How to Identify Solomon in Kimono?

• Verify the 1956 publication date on the title page to ensure it is a true first edition.
• Check for the original cloth binding and cardboard cover construction typical of mid-century American publishing.
• Confirm the presence of internal illustrations specifically credited to Sanae Yamazaki.
• Look for the author credit to I. G. Edmonds, a noted translator of Asian folklore.

History of Solomon in Kimono

Published in 1956, this collection of tales introduces Western audiences to the legendary Japanese magistrate Ooka Tadasuke. The stories are often compared to the wisdom of King Solomon, featuring clever legal rulings and moral lessons set in the Edo period of Japan. The author, I. G. Edmonds, was a prolific writer known for translating Asian folklore and history for English-speaking children and adults.