"Usumomokage Maboroshi Nikki" (Faint Memories, Phantom Diary) is a kusazōshi (illustrated novel) published from 1858 to 1873. This work was written by Tamegasa Shunsui, with illustrations by Utagawa Kunisada. The story depicts the journey of the protagonist, a young samurai named Fujieda Genzaburō, who suddenly disappears, and his fiancée, Oto, who searches for him. Along the way, she meets various people and unravels the mystery of Genzaburō's whereabouts. It is said that a total of 20 volumes were published. Each volume features different developments and characters, enriching the story. This item is a combined volume (one book) of volumes 17 (upper and lower) and 18 (upper and lower). Kusazōshi are written in a cursive script, making them difficult to decipher. Therefore, a book titled "Unraveling Edo Stories! Ancient Document Deciphering Techniques for Beginners" is included as a bonus, which introduces a method for easy, free deciphering and translation, even for beginners. Using the method introduced in the book, the last page of the sample photos has been translated and explained. This is the "Introduction" page of the book. As the proverb goes, "Even demons are beautiful at eighteen, and camellias are in full bloom," kusazōshi are similar. After about ten months, the author gives birth to the seed that has been nurtured, and the first volume is like a newborn baby. In the second volume, the eyes open, and in the third, wisdom is gained. By the sixteenth and seventeenth volumes, the embellishments naturally blossom, with fragrance and flavor. Now, this main story has reached its eighteenth volume, and it is at the peak of "demons at eighteen," but it is like the boiled-down camellia, losing its color and fragrance, leaving only faint memories. Even so, it would not be bad to consider it a cup of palatable tea, the best of its time. Keio 4th year, Inutsuchino Mengchun (January) Written by Tamegasa Shunsui Explanation: This passage has the nuance of conveying gratitude and expectations to the readers while providing an overview of the work's growth and maturation with each volume, while also being humble. It is a content that shows the lightheartedness typical of Edo period kusazōshi, and also glimpses the author's state of mind at the turning point of the era. Keio 4th year, Inutsuchino Mengchun indicates January of 1868. It was the year of the Meiji Restoration, marking the end of the Edo period. *Using this method, take this item and this book in your hands and take a step into the journey of deciphering ancient documents.