I have read a few novels in the past set in the Edo era of Japanese history. After adoring Blue Eye Samurai it resparked an interest in Japanese history from this time. I am particularly interested in the time as the Europeans first got there. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated but I would prefer something not to academic or dry. A popular summary of the time maybe?
by Rainbowape
1 Comment
This isn’t quite what you’re looking for, but Junichiro Tanizaki wrote a wonderful long essay that’s translated as “In Praise of Shadows.” It was written in 1933, and he contrasts Japanese aesthetics (architecture, interior lighting, beauty ideals) with the Western aesthetics that were in vogue at the time. I think you can PDFs of it online.