Customer Reviews

Geisha: Women of Japan's Flower & Willow World

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I have a ton of Geisha related books in my personal library -- both antiquarian and new, including a lot of "must have" volumes from amazon. This is my favorite. It is a perfect combination of the best of late 19th century and early 20th century photographic images -- mostly from the ubiquitous real-photo and collotype postcards of the day -- combined with an enjoyable text that seamlessly brings together accurate historical descriptions and informal anecdotes. Enjoyable to read, pleasant to look at. The entire package is is further enhanced by high production values -- the art direction and layout can hardly get any better for a book such as this. While the Geisha in Japan today continue on in small numbers as a disconnected, living anachronism (or a cultural decoration adored by visiting photographers), this book faithfully takes you to the heart of the Meiji-era, when the Geisha really were an integral part of the social mechanisms of the country. I recommended this book to anyone wanting a huge gallery of beautiful and representational images, along with meaningful and accurate commentary skillfully culled from the best sources.

a prized book to add to my geisha book collection. HOwever it is filled with OLD black and white and coloured photos of geshia in the oldern times so if you dislike that type of giesha picture try other books.