CHŎNG, In-bo 鄭寅普.

Tangnŭng kun yusa ching 唐陵君遺事徵 [Posthumous Accounts of Lord Dangneung’s Deeds].

41 folding leaves. Small folio (325 x 216 mm.), orig. yellow patterned wrappers, orig. stitching. Kyŏngsŏng 京城 (Seoul): 1928.

First edition of this rare work, printed by wooden movable type, that tells the life story of Chosŏn interpreter and diplomat (yŏkkwan) Hong Sun-ŏn 洪純彦 (1530-98). Impoverished in his youth, Hong made a name for himself with fluency in Chinese and a knack for international trade. The author of our book, Chŏng In-bo (1893-1950), was a prominent Korean historian and independence activist. In his Preface, acknowledging “the time gap” between Hong’s life and the time of writing, Chŏng notes: “I hope these records may help spread his fragrant virtue…[and that] the exemplary conduct of Lord Dangneung continues to inspire.”

The book features episodes that highlight Confucian ideals of loyalty and righteousness, most notably a story in which a single act of selfless virtue leads to extraordinary consequences. On a diplomatic mission to Ming China, Hong paid his own money to rescue a destitute young woman from a brothel — a gesture that drew ridicule from peers at the time. Yet, years later, she became the wife of the influential official Shi Xing, whose support enabled Hong to resolve a long-standing Chosŏn court controversy and secure vital Ming military aid during the Imjin War (1592-98). Refusing any material reward after these achievements, Hong embodied the ideals of Confucian integrity and duty. Written under Japanese colonial rule, Chŏng’s revival of Hong Sun-ŏn’s story was likely meant to reclaim Korean heroes and exemplars as a crucial historical memory for strengthening national identity and morale.

Fine copy.

Price: $3,250.00

Item ID: 11149