BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

Immediately below are our TWO NEWEST "Book of the Month" recommendations--the first book being one specifically for "Japanese Woodblock Print Collectors," while the second book is more general in nature, what we've termed simply "General Interest Japan."

Listed then further below, you will find our growing accumulated list of previous book recommendations similarly grouped into the same two categories:

Section 1 - Recommended Books for "Japanese Woodblock Print Collectors" Section 2 - Recommended Books on "General Interest Japan"

Note--Many of these "book recommendations" are NOT for sale by Ukiyoe-Gallery (a very few are designated "View to Purchase").
ALL of the books which we do offer for sale are located in our Gallery #7 under Hard to Find Books on "Shin Hanga" & "Ukiyo-e."


*** Our TWO NEWEST "Book of the Month" Recommendations ***


"Japanese Woodblock Print Collectors" -- Book of the Month:

"Visions of Japan -- Kawase Hasui’s Masterpieces"

Title "Visions of Japan -- Kawase Hasui’s Masterpieces" Author by Kendal H. Brown/Hotei Publishing Date October 2004 Publisher Hotei Publishing (Netherlands) ISBN 90-74822-68-1 Size/Pages 8 7/8 x 11 inches x 149 pgs Content Just released, this exceptional reference highlights what it's author/publisher have selected as the "best 100" out of Hasui's lifetime production of approximately 600 prints. Woodblock print artist Kawase Hasui is unquestionably THE premier landscape artist of the twentieth century--much in the same manner as was Hiroshige during the preceeding century in Japanese art. Contains 100 large, full color illustrations which enbody the enormous variety of snow, moon and rain scenes for which Hasui is so well known. The Preface, Introduction, and Essay about Hasui (a total of 24 pages of text) by Kendal Brown offer a comprehensive understanding of both the "shin-hanga" movement and Hasui's extensive contributions to this artform. Highlights In addition to the comprehensive background essays about both the "shin-hanga movement" and Hasui's life as the major Japanese landscape artist of the 1900's, included also are a section on "Watanabe Publisher's Seals," a map of Japan, and finally, exhaustive explanatory notes about each of the 100 plates. Comments For its modest cost and size, this reference of Hasui's works is unquestionably the finest overview available covering the body of Hasui's works. A wonderful reference on Hasui--if you can only afford one reference of Hasui's works, THIS is the one to own. List Price List $39.95 -- (View to Purchase at $39.00)

"General Interest Japan" -- Book of the Month:

"The Lady and the Monk: Four Seasons in Kyoto"

Title "The Lady and the Monk: Four Seasons in Kyoto" Author Pico Iyer Date 2001 Publisher Vintage Books ISBN 0679738347 Size/Pages 6 x 8 1/2 inches x 337 pgs Content When Pico Iyer decided in 1988 to go to Kyoto for a year to live in a monastery, he did so to learn about Zen Buddhism from the inside, and to get to know Kyoto, one of the loveliest old cities in the world--and then he met Sachiko. A pretty and enthusiastic woman in her early 30's (and the married mother of two small children), Sachiko was a typical Japanese housewife married to nearly always absent businessman husband. Pyco's and Sachiko's interactions then become the underlying story of this enlightening book about Japanese culture. Highlights Highly readable, this book gives the reader a true "inside view" into the culture of Japan--as can be experienced only by someone like Pyco who spends a considerable length of time living there. Comments Wonderfully written, this enjoyable book offers many insights into the Japanese culture. (Being the husband of a Japanese-born woman who was herself previously also the wife of a typical workaholic Japanese male "salaryman," I can personally echo many of Pyco's experiences.) List Price List $14

Section 1 - Recommended Books for "Japanese Woodblock Print Collectors"



The following is a list of recommended reference books which we have found to be of value to the collector or student of Japanese woodblock prints. In providing readers with this (growing) list of book recommendations, we've attempted to give you our brutally honest evaluations as to the "true worth" of each of these books, as well as perhaps pointing out some of the highlights or sometimes even unexpected surprises that these books hold for the reader.

Going forward, we will attempt to add a NEW, additional "Book of the Month" on an ongoing basis. Thus, over a period of just a few brief months, we therefore hope to provide a very comprehensive source of reference materials which will prove valuable to the collector.

Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions.

(NOTE--Although we DO list a few hard-to-find books "for sale" in the end section of our Gallery #7, we ARE NOT Sellers of the books listed below. Most of these recommendations are available from a variety of well-known booksellers.)



"Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: The Early Years"

Title "Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: The Early Years" Author Helen Merritt Date 1990 Publisher University of Hawaii Press ISBN 082481200X Size/Pages 7 3/4 x 10 3/8 inches x 344 pgs Content Contains dozens of woodblock print illustrations (most in b/w) from the "shin-hanga" period (as well as "sosaku hanga" prints) beginning in the early 1900's. Highlights Illustrated with representative print examples from dozens of artists, this book provides an extensive and in-depth historical background of the printmakers (both artists and publishers) of the 1900-1970 period. Comments This reference is unquestionably considered to be "the Bible" when it comes to a scholarly discussion of the evolution and history of the "shin-hanga" print movement of early 1900's Japan. Beginning with a brief "Heritage" section explaining the "ukiyo-e" roots of modern Japanese printmaking, Merritt then takes us to the opening of Watanabe's Print Shop in 1904 Tokyo which was to be the "re-birth" of Japanese printmaking we know of today as the "shin-hanga" movement. Also includes a historical discussion on the development of the parallel "sosaku hanga" (creative print) movement. Well written, this comprehensive reference covers nearly all of the artists and publishers of the 1900-1970 period. Extensive Glossary. (Companion book is Merritt's "Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints, 1900-1975.") List Price (View to Purchase at $375.00)

"Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints, 1900-1975"

Title "Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints, 1900-1975" Author Helen Merritt & Nanako Yamada Date 1992 Publisher University of Hawaii Press ISBN 0-8248-1732X Size/Pages 6 7/8 x 10 inches x 376 pgs Content Contains NO woodblock print illustrations--Instead, this second volume by Merritt compliments her earlier work ("...The Early Years") as an in-depth reference containing biographical information on over 1,000 20th-century Japanese printmakers. Then--in addition to a middle section which gives some informatin on publishers, carvers, and printers--its final section provides the print collector with reproductions of dozens of artist's "seals" and "Japanese signatures." Highlights In addition to the brief biographical entries of 100's of Japanese artists, this book's greatest value to collectors is it's 258 Japanese "signature and seal" reproductions which are of constant value in aiding the identification of unknown prints. Comments This companion reference is again considered to be "the Bible" when it comes to biolographical information on over 1,000 "shin-hanga" and "sosaku hanga" artists of the 1900 to 1970 period of Japanese printmaking. This book continues where Merritt's earlier book ("Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: The Early Years") leaves off--containing in depth information on nearly all of the artists and publishers of the 1900-1970 period. Extensive final section on Japanese artist's "signatures" and "seals" aids the collector in the identification of prints. List Price List $55

"Hiroshige in Tokyo -- The Floating World of Edo"

Title "Hiroshige in Tokyo -- The Floating World of Edo" Author Julian Bicknell Date 1994 Publisher Pomegranate Artbooks ISBN 1-56640-803-2 Size/Pages 8 3/4 x 11 1/4 inches x 157 pgs Content Contains over 85 woodblock prints, nearly all by Hiroshige; plus a number of color photographs of several of the same Tokyo scenes as seen today. Highlights Illustrated with dozens of Hiroshige's prints. Chapter 7, alone, takes the reader on a detailed tour of old Edo, with each of the capital's many highlights illustrated by woodblocks of the period. Comments This enjoyable reference highlights a number of Hiroshige’s prints from a variety of his series as they relate to the city of Edo, which we today know as Tokyo. Wonderfully written, this highly readable treatise looks at Edo/Tokyo through the eyes of an architect; however Bicknell's knowledge of "old Japan" is immediately apparent, with each discussion centered around or highlighted by well-known prints by Hiroshige. Extensive Glossary. List Price List $30

"Collector's Value Guide to Japanese Woodblock Prints"

Title "Collector's Value Guide to Japanese Woodblock Prints" Author Sandra Andacht Date 2000 Publisher Krause Publications ISBN 1582210055 Size/Pages 8 3/8 x 11 inches x 272 pgs Content This collector's "guide" helps collectors determine a print's dating marks, artist "seals," publisher's "seals," period placement, authenticity, condition, and value. Contains over 400 woodblock print illustrations, many in color. Highlights Illustrated with dozens of color plates, this guide gives a broad sampling of a variety of prints from many artists. Perhaps most useful are the ending Appendices showing dozens of artist's "signatures" from both the earlier "ukiyo-e" and later "shin-hanga" periods; and "'ukiyo-e' Date and Censor Seals" section. Extensive Glossary of terms. Comments This somewhat "over-rated" reference is sadly lacking when it comes to "determining value"--as Andacht's "pricing" is "all over the place" and inconsistent. (Much of the ending Appendice's materials appear to be copied directly from Merritt's and Lane's books.) List Price List $26.96 paperback

"Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson"

Title "Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson" Author Amy Reigle Newland, Jan Perree, Robert Schaap Date 2001 Publisher Hotei Publishing ISBN 907482238X Size/Pages 9 7/8 x 12 inches x 208 pgs Content A comprehensive collector's guide to the lifetime works of Ohara Shoson (1877-1945) who is perhaps better known by his artname "Koson." Contains 227 woodblock print illustrations, nearly all in color. Highlights Beginning first with a detailed 19 page discussion of Koson's life as an artist, this superb reference's main section illustrates 179 of Koson's finest works as large-format, color plates each of which is described individually in detail. Finally, the end section is a complete "Checklist" of Koson's prints--with this "Checklist's" numbering system now having become the worldwide standard when referring to any Koson image. Comments This highly recommended guide about Koson is the first Western publication of his oeuvre of prints, and is based upon a private Dutch collection. Without doubt, this is "THE definitive reference" for Koson print collectors, as it contains an estimated 90-percent of his total lifetime works. List Price List $125.00 -- (View to Purchase at $125.00)

"The Female Image: 20th-Century Prints of Japanese Beauties"

Title "The Female Image: 20th-Century Prints of Japanese Beauties" Author Shinji Hamanaka and Amy Reigle Newland Date 2000 (out of print) Publisher Hotei Publishing ISBN 9074822207 Size/Pages 9 x 12 inches x 220 pgs Content This excellent collector's "guide" provides an authoratative and comprehensive survey of the genre of "bijin-ga" (beautiful women) prints from the 20th century "shin hanga" movement--lavishly illustrated with 350 gorgeous woodblock print illustrations, all in color. Separate essays by both Hamanaka and Newland provide an in-depth understanding of the "bijin-ga" genre of prints. Highlights Illustrated with dozens of color plates, this guide gives a broad sampling of a variety of prints from 40 different artists. Included are Goyo, Kotondo, and Shinsui, as well as lessor known artists such as Kiyokata, Tsuentomi, Kanpo, Suizan and others. Artist biographies and detailed print "Checklist" at end. Comments This is a "must-have" book for anyone who either likes or collects "bijin-ga" (beautiful women) prints. Simply an outstanding reference. List Price List $155.00 -- (View to Purchase at $155.00)

"The Complete Woodblock Prints of Yoshida Hiroshi"

Title "The Complete Woodblock Prints of Yoshida Hiroshi" Author Tadao Ogura Date 1996 Publisher Abe Publishing ISBN 4872421213 Size/Pages 8 5/8 x 10 5/8 inches x 203 pgs Content This excellent collector's guide is a catalogue raisonne, containing all of the lifetime works of Hiroshi Yoshida--lavishly illustrated with 264 color woodblock print illustrations, 3 b/w photos. "Checklist" at end gives details on each print. Highlights Entirely in color, contains all of Hiroshi's lifetime output of 264 woodblock prints; plus an additional section showing a few of his paintings. Also of interest is a detailed 23-photo step-by-step explaination titled "The Printing Process," and a "Chronological History" of Hiroshi's lifetime events. Comments This is a "must-have" book for anyone who is either a collector or admirer of prints by Hiroshi Yoshida. Simply an outstanding reference. List Price List was $95.00 softcover (now out of print, scarce) -- (View to Purchase at $295.00)

"Yoshitoshi's Women: The Woodblock-Print Series Fuzoku Sanjuniso"

Title "Yoshitoshi's Women: The Woodblock-Print Series Fuzoku Sanjuniso" Author John Stevenson Date 1986, revised 1995 Publisher University of Washington Press ISBN 0295974311 Size/Pages 8 7/8 x 12 inches x 96 pgs Content This excellent collector's guide provides an authoratative and complete study of all 32 prints from Yoshitoshi's celebrated series popularily titled "Thirty-two Aspects of Women" ("Fuzoku Sanjuniso"). A 21 page Introduction sets the stage for the background and production of this series, and further discusses Yoshitoshi's life as both an aritst, and in his treatment of women. Beautifully illustrated, with 34 large, full-page color plates, plus another 32 smaller color illustrations. Highlights A scholarly treatment of Yoshitoshi's most popular series, his 32 "bijin-ga" set titled "Thirty-two Aspects of Women" (1888). Each print is illustrated in its nearly full size, with an authoratative discussion/description appearing on the facing page. Comments This is a "must-have" book for anyone who is either a collector or admirer of "beautiful women" prints by Yoshitoshi. An outstanding, in-depth reference. List Price List $32.00 hardcover

"Woodblock Kuchi-e Prints: Reflections of Meiji Culture"

Title "Woodblock Kuchi-E Prints: Reflections of Meiji Culture" Author Helen Merritt and Nanako Yamada Date 2000 Publisher University of Hawaii Press ISBN 0824820738 Size/Pages 7 1/4 x 10 1/4 inches x 284 pgs Content This excellent collector's guide provides an authoratative and comprehensive survey of the genre of "kuchi-e" (novel illustration) prints from the early 20th century--lavishly illustrated with 41 color and 39 b/w woodblock print illustrations of individual "kuchi-e." Extensive listing of 86 individual "Artist Biographies" and useful illustration of each artist's "signatures/seals" at end. Highlights The first scholarly treatment of what has until recently been a largely "over-looked" area of technically very well-printed Japanese woodblocks. Illustrations of 86 artist's "signatures/seals" are useful for identifying many prints of the early 1900's period. Comments This is a "must-have" book for anyone who is either a collector or admirer of "kuchi-e" woodblock prints, many of which are of beautiful women. Simply an outstanding, in-depth reference. List Price List $65.00 hardcover

"Beauty and Violence--Japanese Prints by Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)"

Title "Beauty and Violence--Japanese Prints by Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)" Author Eric van den Ing and Robert Schaap Date 1992 (out of print) Publisher Society for Japanese Arts ISBN 9070216043 Size/Pages 11 1/4 x 11 1/4 inches x 168 pgs Content This authoratative guide covers in depth many examples drawn from Yoshitoshi's lifelong works. A 21-page essay by scholar John Stevenson gives background about the historical importance of Yoshitoshi's works, an artist considered by many to be Japan's "finest Meiji-era woodblock artist." Beautifully illustrated, with 76 full-color plates and another 134 black/white illustrations. Highlights Broad in scope, this reference shows many examples from Yoshitoshi's numerous series which were drawn together in 1992 for an exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of his death. Prints illustrated are not only described in technical notes, but are also discussed individually in depth as to their background and history. Interesting sections on "Illustrated Books" and "Preparatory Sketches" are also included. Finally, complete listings (titles and descriptions) are given of ALL of the prints from many of Yoshitoshi's series, plus a detailed Glossary of Terms. Comments An invaluable reference book for anyone who is either a collector or admirer of prints by Yoshitoshi. An outstanding, in-depth reference. List Price List $unknown?? (Out of print, scarce) -- (View to Purchase at $195.00)

NEW "The Complete Woodblock Prints of KAWASE HASUI" Booklet

Title ALL NEW "The Complete Woodblock Prints of KAWASE HASUI" Booklet Author Kenneth Darling Date 2003 Publisher "KenKyu Ltd" (self-published, copyright being sought) ISBN na Size/Pages 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches x 88 pgs Content Comprehensive and handy "collector's guide" to all 633 lifetime prints created by Hasui KAWASE. Highlights Broad in scope, this reference includes examples of all Hasui's lifetime output--including 567 Watanabe, Bijutsusha B-1 through B-8, Doi 1-13, Kato 1-12, Kawaguchi 1-15, 1-4 b&w Isetatsu, Hojudo H-1 and 2 Doll prints. All 633 are color illustrations (except 4 by Isetatsu). Glossary of Watanabe seals, K&S seals, Doi seals, and list of print numbers by year published. Comments A very handy, pocket-sized reference that allows collectors to instantly identify any Hasui print encountered. An outstanding, yet convenient reference. List Price (List $125) -- (View to Purchase at $110)

ALL NEW "Kawase Hasui -- The Complete Woodblock Prints" (2 Volume Set)

Title NEW "Kawase Hasui -- The Complete Woodblock Prints" (2 Vol) Author Kendall H. Brown & Shoichiro Watanabe Date 2003 (Available SOON--Release date: 5/29/03 Publisher Hotei (KIT) Publishing (Netherlands) ISBN 9074822460 Size/Pages 2 Volume Boxed Set: 9 1/4 x 11 3/4 inches x 592 total pgs. Content Soon to be released (NOW available), this authoratative reference is destined to instantly become THE comprehensive guide to the lifetime prints of Hasui KAWASE. An essay by Shoichiro Watanabe (grandson and present day owner of Watanabe Print Ship) gives background information and insights about Hasui's works. Beautifully illustrated, with an amazing 670 full-color illustrations, 20 watercolors, and 100 black/white illustrations. Highlights Introduction by Kendall Brown is based on his extensive research in Japan and interviews with the Watanabe family. Prints illustrated include not only technical notes, but also commentaries based in part on excerpts from Hasui's dairies. Plus Appendicies of signature forms and publisher seals. Comments Soon to be released (NOW available), this reference will be the first comprehensive English reference for collectors or admirers of prints by Hasui. A truely outstanding, in-depth reference. List Price List $499 (out of print) -- (View to Purchase at $595 with shipping INCLUDED)

"Ukiyo-e to Shin Hanga--The Art of Japanese Prints"

Title "Ukiyo-e to Shin Hanga--The Art of Japanese Prints" Author Amy Newland & Chris Uhlenbeck Date 1990 (out of print) Publisher Brompton Books ISBN 0-792-45340-9 Size/Pages 10 1/4 x 14 1/2 inches x 256 pgs (Large format, "coffee table" book.) Content A truely "broad in scope" reference, covering Edo-era, Meiji-era, "sosaku hanga," and "shin hanga" prints of the 1900's. Highlights Lavishly illustrated with many dozens of color prints from all periods. Nine chapters by nine different authors (written as essays) guide us in a delightful historical discussion on the development of Japanese prints from the late 1700's to the 1960's. Comments This reference is unquestionably one of the finest books available which covers nearly all time periods and genre of Japanese prints. Beginning with the early "primitive prints," chapter-by-chapter coverage is given all the way up to Japanese prints known of today as the "shin hanga" and "sosaku hanga." Extensive Glossary. (Oversized. Hard to find.) List Price List $?? -- (View to Purchase at $195.00)

"Printed to Perfection--Prints from the Robert O. Muller Collection"

Title "Printed to Perfection--Prints from the Robert O. Muller Collection" Author by Amy Reigle Newland, Chris Uhlenbeck, Joan B. Mirviss, et al Date December 2004 Publisher Hotei Publishing, in association with Sackler Gallery/Smithsonian Institution ISBN 90-74822-73-8 Size/Pages 9 1/4 x 11 3/4 inches x 128 pgs Content Just released, this exhibition catalogue shows 125 prints from the esteemed Robert O. Muller Collection of "shin hanga" prints exhibited Nov 2004-Jan 2005 in the Smithsonian Museum's Sackler Gallery. Detailed catalogue of 125 prints; plus essays by James Ulak, Joan Mirviss and Amy Newland. Highlights Two introductory essays (31 pages) outline the life of Robert O. Muller (1911-2003), who has become known as the consummate collector, connoisseur, and dealer of twentieth-century Japanese "shin-hanga" prints. Upon Bob's death in late 2003, some 4,500 of his finest prints were then bequeathed to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Having been a lifetime dealer of Japanese prints, several 1,000 additional prints have simultaneously come into the worldwide marketplace. Beautifully illustrated with 129 color plates--a wonderful overview of the "Robert O. Muller Collection" of prints. Comments This catalogue is unquestionably one of the finest references available covering the "shin-hanga" genre of Japanese prints. Choosen for this first exhibition of "Muller Collection" prints were a broad-based selection of pristine, and in some cases seldom-seen prints. Detailed notes accompany each print, along with complete biographical information for each artist represented. Extensive Glossary. List Price (was List $45) -- (View to Purchase at $55.00)

Section 2 - Recommended Books on "General Interest Japan"



This following second list of book recommendations are much more general in nature, and are therefore perhaps of interest to the Japanophile or one who is simply a "student of Japan." However, in making these specific recommendations, we ourselve have found many of these books to also be of value to the collector of Japanese woodblock prints. In providing readers with this (growing) "second list" of recommendations, here again we've attempted to give our readers honest evaluations as to the "true worth" of each of these books, as well as again pointing out some of the highlights or unexpected pleasant surprises that these books hold for the reader.

Going forward, we will attempt to add a NEW, additional General Interest "Book of the Month" on an ongoing basis. Thus, over a period of just a few brief months, we therefore hope to provide a very comprehensive source of reference materials which will prove valuable to both the collector and student in general.

Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions.

(NOTE--Although we DO list a few hard-to-find books "for sale" in the end section of our Gallery #7, we ARE NOT Sellers of the books listed below. Most of these recommendations are available from a variety of well-known booksellers.)



"Lafcidio Hearn -- Writings from Japan"

Title "Lafcidio Hearn -- Writings from Japan" Author Lafcidio Hearn (with Introduction by Francis King) Date 1984 Publisher Penguin Books ISBN na Size/Pages 5 x 7 3/4 inches x 344 pgs Content Contains an edited anthology from a wide variety of Hearn's writings, grouped under three sections titled "Recollections," "Reflections," and "Relations." Contains no illustrations (but cover is of a Meiji-period woodblock). Highlights Constantly delightful, this book's favorite passage is from a piece titled "My First Day in the Orient," where Hearn tells us "Do not fail to write down your first impressions as soon as possible....they are evanescent and will never come to you again. ...The first charm of Japan is intangible and volatile as a perfume." How true. Comments This "Hearn anthology" is but one of many dozens of similiar books which highlight writings made by Hearn during his 14-year residency in late-Meiji Japan. Hearn first visited Japan in 1890--and never left. Arriving first as a traveling journalist, Hearn was so stuck by and fascinated with Japan that he soon took a Japanese wife, raised a Japanese family, and completely immersed himself in the Japanese culture until his death in 1904. An ardent observer and prolific writer, perhaps no other writer has better captured the "feeling of living in old Japan" than has Hearn. List Price List $??--Many Hearn anthologies are available under $10.

"Musui's Story: The Autobiography of a Tokugawa Samurai"

Title "Musui's Story: The Autobiography of a Tokugawa Samurai" Author Katsu Kokichi (translated by Teruko Craig) Date 1988 Publisher University of Arizona Press ISBN 0816512566 Size/Pages 5 5/8 x 8 1/2 inches x 174 pgs Content Written by a true samurai, Katsu Kokichi, who lived in Japan from 1802 until 1850. Contains a number of Hiroshige's woodblock prints as illustrations throughout book. Highlights This highly unusual and constantly entertaining lifetime story written by an Edo era "samurai" is a fun read. Appendix 2 gives further insights into the time, with a detailed discussion of "Currency of the Tokugawa Period." Comments This little book gives the reader a very firsthand look at life in Japan as recorded by an out-of-favor samuria who was unable to gain an official position. Samurai Kokichi survives instead by hustling and thieving, and by selling protection to shopkeepers and brothels. A true glimse into the "rough and tumble" street-life of urban feudal Japan. List Price List $18.95

"Meeting With Japan"

Title "Meeting With Japan" Author Fosco Maraini Date 1959 Publisher Viking Press ISBN na Size/Pages 7 3/4 x 9 3/4 inches x 467 pgs Content Extensive commentary by a long-time resident of Japan, plus 154 vintage b/w photographs. Highlights Illustrated with dozens of vintage b/w photographs from Maraini's wide travels in Japan. Especially interesting are Maraini's experiences spend confined in a Japanese War-time Internment Camp, followed by his then first-hand shocking descriptions of a devistated post-War Japan. Comments This enjoyable reference highlights Maraini's lengthy residency of Japan during a period of great change. In this book he describes his travels in Japan - to Ise, Nara, Kyoto, Nagoya and Tokyo and in doing so discusses Japanese history, politics, economics, religion, literature and the arts. Wonderfully written, this lengthy narrative of life in pre-War Japan through the eyes of an Italian sheds useful and interesting insights into the lives and culture of pre-industrial Japan. List Price List $??--Widely available "used" under $10.

"Frank Lloyd Wright and the Art of Japan: The Architect's Other Passion "

Title "Frank Lloyd Wright and the Art of Japan: The Architect's Other Passion " Author Julia Meech Date 2001 Publisher Harry N Abrams ISBN 0810945630 Size/Pages 9 1/4 x 11 1/2 inches x 304 pgs Content In this book we learn that Frank Lloyd Wright was much more in addition to being a well known architect--he was also an obsessed and avid collector (and as we learn, dealer) of Japanese woodblock prints; his personal collection included 1000's of prints. Unknown to many people, Wright's activities and contacts made while in Japan had a profound impact on many of America's finest collections that were built during the early 1900's. Contains 229 illustrations (many of Wright's residence), and includes 89 full color plates many of which are of woodblock prints from Wright's personal collection. Highlights Illustrated with dozens of woodblocks from Wright's beloved collection (including many early Hiroshige's), we learn of the depth of Wright's obsession for woodblocks--he often spent with wreckless abandon in pursuit of his woodblock collection to the point of driving himself into debt. We learn that during the period 1905 (when Wright first traveled to Japan) until around 1922, that Wright became a significant international dealer of Japanese prints, selling perhaps as many as 20,000 prints during that period alone. (It is further estimated that, during some of those years, Wright actually made more money from his selling of Japanese prints than he did as an architect. Comments Wonderfully written, this enjoyable reference highlights the largely unknown depth of Wright’s passion for Japanese art and illuminates the profound impact it had on his personal and professional life. List Price List was $60 -- (View to Purchase at $95.00)

"The Roads to Sata: A 2000-Mile Walk Through Japan"

Title "The Roads to Sata: A 2000-Mile Walk Through Japan" Author Alan Booth Date 1985 Publisher Penguin Books Ltd, then Kodansha International ISBN 1568361874 Size/Pages 5 1/2 x 8 1/4 inches x 281 pgs Content This book details the fascinating 128-day journey of Englishman, Alan Booth, who decided to walk from the northern tip of Japan's Hokkaido Island to the far tip of Cape Sata on southern Japan's Kyushu Island--a distance of more than 2,000 miles. Contains only a few maps as illustrations. Highlights In this highly readable, diary-like narrative we learn first-hand of the many interesting experiences encountered by Booth as he traveled the north-south length of Japan entirely on foot. During his 4-month trip, Booth slept in "ryokans" and "minshuku," ate Japanese foods, and got as close to the Japanese as they would allow an "outsider." Comments Wonderfully written, this enjoyable book helped me (Thomas Crossland) prepare for my own 21-day, 1000-mile solo bicycle trip of Japan done in 1995, and detailed in an article titled "Pedal Mettle.") One of this first things I learned during my trip was that the Japanese phrase "Watashi no tsuma wa Nihonjin des" (simply "My wife is Japanese.") opened many doors. Even if you never plan to travel in Japan, it's still a great read. List Price List $16

"36 Views of Mount Fuji: On Finding Myself in Japan"

Title "36 Views of Mount Fuji: On Finding Myself in Japan" Author Cathy N. Davidson Date 1993 Publisher Dutton/Plume ISBN 0452272408 Size/Pages 5 3/4 x 8 3/4 inches x 295 pgs Content In a very down-to-earth manner, author Davidson tells firsthand of the many experiences she encountered while in Japan in 1980, 83, 87-88, and 1990 as a visiting teacher. Highlights The entire book reads like a "long-awaited letter from a good friend." Comments Wonderfully written, this enjoyable book offers many insights into the Japanese culture from an American teacher who shared four lengthy stays in Japan. List Price List $20, widely available used under $6.00. Hardback and paperback.

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