Korea Letters in the William Elliot Griffis Collection: An Annotated Selection

William Elliot Griffis (1843–1928) was an American historian, scholar, and theologian who dedicated his life to researching and writing about East Asia. He authored 20 books about Japan and five books about Korea, including his bestseller, Corea: The Hermit Nation (1882). The Korean materials in the Griffis Collection at Rutgers University include journals, correspondence, articles, maps, prints, photos, postcards, manuscripts, scrapbooks, and ephemera, which provide a rare window into the turbulent period of late nineteenth- and twentieth-century Korea and Griffis's views on Korean culture. The Korea Letters in the collection are divided into two parts: letters from missionaries and letters from Japanese and Korean political figures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 356 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2024
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

William Elliot Griffis, a renowned scholar and historian, left an indelible mark on the study of East Asia. Born in 1843 and passing away in 1928, Griffis graduated from Rutgers College in 1869 and embarked on a teaching journey that took him to Fukui and Tokyo for four years. Upon his return to the United States, he dedicated himself entirely to his research and writing on the region, a passion that would span the entirety of his life.

Griffis' literary contributions to the study of Japan and Korea are extensive and remarkable. He authored a total of 20 books on Japan, covering various aspects of its history, culture, and society. Among these, his most notable work is "Corea: The Hermit Nation" (1882), a bestseller that went through nine editions over thirty years. Not only was he recognized as the foremost interpreter of Japan to the Western world before World War I, but he also held a prominent position as an American expert on Korea.

After his passing, Griffis left behind a remarkable collection of books, documents, photographs, and ephemera, which were donated to Rutgers University. Among these materials, the Korean collection in the Griffis Collection stands out as a valuable resource for scholars and researchers. Comprising journals, correspondence, articles, maps, prints, photos, postcards, manuscripts, scrapbooks, and ephemera, these papers offer a rare glimpse into the turbulent period of late nineteenth- and twentieth-century Korea. Witnessed and evaluated by Griffis and early American missionaries in East Asia, they provide a unique perspective on the region's history and development.

The Korea Letters in the William Elliot Griffis Collection are particularly noteworthy. Divided into two parts, these letters shed light on the history of early American missionaries in Korea, the Korean independence movement, and Griffis' own views. Accessible for the first time through this collection, these letters offer a multifaceted perspective on the early American missionary experience in Korea, the struggles for Korean independence, and Griffis' thoughts and observations on the region.

In conclusion, William Elliot Griffis' life and work serve as a testament to his dedication to the study of East Asia. Through his extensive research and writing, he contributed significantly to our understanding of Japan and Korea, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire scholars and researchers today. The Korean materials in the Griffis Collection at Rutgers University provide a valuable resource for those seeking to delve deeper into the history and culture of these fascinating regions.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 235 x 156 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978828797