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In Praise of Shadows

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In Praise of Shadows

Written by: Junichiro Tanizaki
Narrated by: David Rintoul
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About this listen

"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.

The popular translation by Thomas J. Harper and Edward G. Seidensticker is essential listening for anyone interested in Japan and Japanese culture.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©1977 Leete’s Island Books, Inc. (P)2017 Naxos AudioBooks Essays Philosophy Nonfiction

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Illuminating understanding of Shadows.

This is a master work that allows one to truly appreciate shadows, more so in modernity. As a bonus the story uses Japanese culture as is contextual framework, which depends that understanding. Then he says “Negro” and you’re like … But the book was first published in 1933.

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