In Praise of Shadows, Junichiro Tanizaki
In Praise of Shadows, Junichiro Tanizaki
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In Praise of Shadows

Author: Junichiro Tanizaki

Narrator: David Rintoul

Unabridged: 1 hr 28 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Naxos

Published: 12/08/2017

Categories: Nonfiction, Philosophy

Synopsis

‘Were it not for shadows there would be no beauty.’ In Praise of Shadows is an eloquent tribute to the austere beauty of traditional Japanese aesthetics. Through architecture, ceramics, theatre, food, women and even toilets, Tanizaki explains the essence of shadows and darkness, and how they are able to augment beauty. He laments the heavy electric lighting of the West and its introduction to Japan, and shows how the artificial, bright and polished aesthetic of the West contrasts unfavorably with the moody and natural light of the East. Dreamy, melancholic and mysterious, In Praise of Shadows is a haunting insight into a forgotten world.

Reviews

Goodreads review by howl of minerva on January 10, 2017

Sort of a Japanese Grandpa Simpson. Kids these days, no respect. Art these days, total crap. Food these days, inedible. It's all go go go. It's all electric lights and gramophones. What happened to sitting in the dark, poking yourself in the eye with a stick? Kids are too good for that now. Things w......more

Goodreads review by Vladys on November 11, 2020

Although this book is primarily about aesthetics, I cannot entirely avoid mentioning the historical context. This short essay was written in 1933 when the nationalist agenda permeated every aspect of life in Japan. It is also noticeable in the pages of this book and in the mind of the author. Written......more

Goodreads review by Susan on June 10, 2023

Junichiro Tanizaki helped me understand why I am so drawn to the Japanese aesthetic. He begins his essay, In Praise of Shadows, with an example I can relate to. Many Japanese people try to hide electrical wires because they don’t want to spoil the beauty of the traditional decor. I so get this. I wi......more

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