In Praise of Shadows

Junichiro Tanizaki

Dec 2017 · Naxos AudioBooks · Narrated by David Rintoul

About this audiobook

ÔWere it not for shadows there would be no beauty.ÕÊIn 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 unfavourably 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.

Ratings and reviews

I like the mix of reality and mysticism and the path that Japan is taking. But if I compare it with a Swiss fairy tale story, then the stories and sagas of Japan are more beautiful and better made because more effort was put into telling and writing the stories. Than with Swiss myths and legends. But otherwise a great book, I would recommend it. 🙂

Dated attitudes and language. Still an interesting look into the past.

Loved it!!!!