Art and Culture of Japan (Abrams Discoveries) [Paperback]

Nelly Delay (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

From the Publisher

This richly detailed survey shows how Japanese architecture, sculpture, scroll painting, drawing, printmaking, and calligraphy reflect developments in religion and politics, from the advent of Zen to the opening of Japan to the West. Nelly Delay is a French art historian and curator who specializes in Japanese art. 165 illustrations, 130 in full color, 2 maps

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810928620
• ISBN-13: 978-0810928626
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #473,100 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Beware of translations, April 15, 2001

By 

James R. Hoadley "Nagano Jim" (United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Art and Culture of Japan (Abrams Discoveries) (Paperback)

This book was originally written in French and then translated into English. Considering the subject of this book is Japan, that's probably not the best way to go about things. Many of the Japanese words introduced in this book are written as they would be transcribed in French, not English, leading to possible confusion. In addition, the translation is at times not very good. The text gets quite clunky and seems poorly organized in places. The one thing this book has going for it is the abundance of high quality photographs. Visually, this book is stunning, filled with lots of slick, high-gloss images. So buy this book for the pictures, but if you're actually going to read it, beware the information. There are many other books that are much better.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Review on The Art and Culture of Japan, May 21, 2000

By 

"bert_man" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Art and Culture of Japan (Abrams Discoveries) (Paperback)

In The Art and Culture of Japan, the author describes the greater aspects of Japanese past and present art and culture. He touches on a wide array of cultural diffences and even explores the art of rock gardens. In this book, there is enough information on gardening to fulfill my horticultural needs and wants. He lividly descibes the samuri and their code of honor, while offering a view on the way that the Shinto religion functions and their main beliefs. The only quam I have with this book is the lack of an in-depth look at the everyday life and funtions of the peasant life in ancient Japan.

4.0 out of 5 stars A good basic guide with beautiful photographs of Japan., September 1, 2009

By 

Joseph J. Truncale "warriorwriter" (Vernon Hills, Il) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Art and Culture of Japan (Abrams Discoveries) (Paperback)

Though it is true this book does not go into great depth about Japan and its culture; nevertheless, it is a good basic guide of Japan for the average person who is not seeking a more academic approach to the topic. Chapters include the realm of the Kami, a buddhist civilization, the way of the warrior, the way of Zen and numerous other interesting sections.

It also has a section for those seeking further reading on the subject. The photographs are clear, in color and beautiful. In conclusion, this book is for anyone who desires an overview of the art and culture of Japan.

Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Tanto-Jutsu Official Manual---Bushi Satori Ryu).