Given the scarcity of data relating to trade with Japan in 1861–1910, the Cornes archive is of great significance. A complete transcript on CD forms part of this volume, which in turn is supported in Part 2 by content summaries of all the private letters and copy books. Part 1 considers the life and times of Frederick Cornes and his legacy.

Preface; List of Tables; List of Plates; Glossary; PART I: The Business, Life and Times of Frederick Cornes; 1 Background to Trading with Meiji Japan; 2 The Life and Career of Frederick Cornes; 3 Lasting Success of the Cornes' Enterprise; 5 The Legacy of Frederick Cornes; PART II: The Frederick Cornes Correspondence; Summaries of letters; Appendices: 1 Frederick Cornes: Abbreviated Family Tree; 2 John Corns: Summary of Will; 3 Frederick and Henrietta Cornes: Summary of Wills; 4 Frederick Cornes: Transcribed Will; 5 William Gregson Aspinall: Abbreviated Family Tree; 6 William Gregson Aspinall: Summary of Will; 7 Partners in the Cornes' Enterprise; 8 Aspinall, Cornes: Principal Trade Items, and Prices; 9 Cornes's Links with P&O; 10 Japanese Imports; Bibliography; Index