Customer Reviews

Geisha

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I first read this book in the early '90s and was so impressed that I bought multiple copies to give as gifts. Liza Dalby portrays the geisha world as a special and exotic one -- exotic by the standards of any modern culture, including that of Japan. She makes this private world accessible but avoids any tendency to sensationalize or dissect -- the geisha world is revealed with grace and subtlety. At the same time, a history of geisha culture involves the history of so much else in Japan -- various social customs, attitudes toward female sexuality, transportation, nightlife... Dalby goes there too.

I am really glad _Geisha_ will be available again. Just the other day, I was bemoaning the fact that Dalby's _Geisha_ seems to be out of print. I need a copy for my library! Can't wait.

-- TQ in New York

Like others I read this book after reading Memoirs of a Geisha. I found this book much more interesting because it tells real stories about real people. The history and backgound that Dalby relates as well her own personal experiences make this book one-of-a-kind and deeply interesting. A must-read for anybody interested to learn more about geisha. Although there are extensive footnotes to explain certain things more deeply, the more you already know about Japan, the more you will get out of this book.

i actually read this book in barns and noble last year. i went there every day for a week or two, and read a bit. i've always wanted to read it, and i have always been fascinated with geisha. if your're interested in knowing more about geisha, learning about some of the smaller details, or you want to know what really went on, and what is currently going on, i highly recommend it. i recently came across it on amazon, and decided to buy a copy even though i'd already read it.

This is a great book to learn about the Geisha culture. I was interested in reading about Geisha after seeing the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha". Found out that an American, Lisa Dalby, had been trained as a Geisha and had written the book "Geisha" to share her experiences with us. It's a great book and anyone who thought Geisha are only glorified "women of the evening", are highly mistaken. I highly recommend this book!

This is a very good anthological work. She has included details that could not be found elsewhere. The pictures are good too. Her writing style reminds me of a newspaper reporter.

This is the 25th anniversary book and since the original publishing one of the six Geisha districts in Kyoto has disappeared. In 1980 there was about 17,000 Geishas now there is less than 2,000. The Onsen Geishas at Atami have almost disappeared.

It's unfortunate that at the end of the book her ego takes over and she starts calling herself a Geisha. (She forgot she was writing a thesis) Dalby attended parties, played the shamisen, wore a kimono, a Geiko wig and makeup. She was never a Maiko nor went through the formal processes of becoming a Geisha, which would take several years. She was not associated any okiya. The Geishas were very generous and brought her along to the parties as their guest. A sports reporter does does not become a professional ball player by wearing a uniform and conducting interviews.

If you are fascinated by the Geisha world you will like this book.

Picked this one up years ago after seeing the moving starring Pam Dawbar which I enjoyed.

I found it most interesting reading as far as cultural aspects go as well as most informative.

Very well written.