Customer Reviews

Introduction to Japanese Architecture (Periplus Asian Architecture Series)

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IF you want 51 more colored photographs, 32 of which are 1- to 2-page spreads, 10 of which are 1/2- to 3/4th-page ones and IF you want what adds up to an additional 3.5 pages of text, THEN you will probably prefer Art of Japanese Architecture, David and Michiko Young's 2007 revision of this book.

If, however, you opt for INTRODUCTION TO JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE, you will still get an excellent overview of the entire history of Japanese architecture. Granted, you will not learn, for example, that since this book was written, a particular site is now a National Treasure or that each sliding door handle of a particular mansion bears the design of the imperial chrysanthemum or that the cost of rethatching a roof is now the equivalent of up to half-a million U.S. dollars. But these are mere details, not major revisions.

Nor, if you opt for INTRO, will you be lacking illustrations, for it does have 320, all in color. In fact, with the exception of the added 51 photos, a handful of photos retaken at a different angle and 9 other minor changes, the illustrations are the same as they are in ART.

If you wish more information, please see my review of The Art of Japanese Architecture. I have also included the Table of Contents of both books in the following comment.

While not very technical in nature, the key word to the title is "Introduction". This is a great place to start if you are interested in the subject, and also a great book to have before visiting Japan to get some ideas of things you may want to see. The book is filled with color photos and drawings of the buildings and their intricate details, showing both interiors and exteriors. The book illustrates many examples of shrines, temples, houses, mansions, torii, and castles including a nice drawing depicting Nobunaga's Azuchi which was destroyed by fire during the Warring States. I like this book very much and highly recommend it.

This book is a perfect introduction to the subject: the language is simple, not too technical, there are good pictures and photos and some social and historical background is provided too.
But you wont find any technical drawing here, no plans, no architectural details. So if you are looking for a good book on basic concepts of Japanese architecture this is perfect, but if you already know
something on the subject probably you will prefer a more technical book, where you can find deeper and more precise descriptions of buildings and architectural styles.
Anyway, some pictures are really well done, and I found some paragraphs on Heian and Edo period society very interesting.
In summary, I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good book to start a study of Japanese traditional architecture.