I just received my copy of David Hartill's new book Early Japanese Coins, and after a quick review I'm seriously thinking about ordering a second copy to preserve in new condition, because this one's going to be pretty dog-eared before long. In a recent post I was lamenting the lack of detail about certain types of pre-Meiji coinage in the primary English language works on Japanese coinage, and lo and behold here's lots of detail, with text and pictures. Hartill has a real winner here, which belongs on the bookshelf of every serious collector of Japanese coins just as much as his books on Chinese cash coins are in the libraries of those who are into Chinese coins. If I had three hands I'd give it three thumbs up!
That's a great review for any author. I don't collect japanese or chinese coins, but for those that do, I'm glad you have a fine resource.
You must have missed my review of Mr. Hartill's latest title here a few months ago. I agree with your assessment. Unfortunately I asked him if he was contemplating doing a Korean title, as this is the last area not covered really well in English but he is working on another idea. He did say though that another author is putting together a Korean book in English. Chris
That would be really nice to have. I don't buy any Japanese or Chinese coins because I lack proper identification methods and there's soo many fakes.
