Japanese Inn: A Reconstuction of the Past, by Oliver Statler (PB, 1981 edition of the 1961 book, $1.75)
This would appear to be historical fiction, or maybe fictional history? Much of the book is historical, but some is made up.
In 1947 during the American Occupation, Statler found himself in a Japanes inn somewhere between Tokyo and Kyoto. He loved the experience enough to write a book on the inn and its history. The story starts with the narrator arriving at the inn in 1957, and proceeds to tell its story from 1569 to the present.
On one hand, the print is tiny, and there is no plot (according to an internet review). On the other hand the writer can sure write, and includes lots of woodblock print illustrations. So, if your eyes are up to it (translation- if your eyes are younger than mine), then this book is quite a treasure.
Look for it on the new fiction table.
