An Artist of the Floating World

Amazon.com

In An Artist of the Floating World, Kazuo Ishiguro offers readers of the English language an authentic look at postwar Japan, "a floating world" of changing cultural behaviors, shifting societal patterns and troubling questions. Ishiguro, who was born in Nagasaki in 1954 but moved to England in 1960, writes the story of Masuji Ono, a bohemian artist and purveyor of the night life who became a propagandist for Japanese imperialism during the war. But the war is over. Japan lost, Ono's wife and son have been killed, and many young people blame the imperialists for leading the country to disaster. What's left for Ono? Ishiguro's treatment of this story earned a 1986 Whitbread Prize.

Book Description

This is the story of an artist as an aging man, struggling through the wreckage of Japan's World War II experience. Ishiguro's first novel.

Customer Reviews:

Portrait of the Artist as an Old Man.......2007-09-01

This narrative of Japanese artist Ono explores the change of a nation and its culture. Ono's tale is set in post-World War II Japan, but he often reflects on the ways of life prior to the war. Living a peaceful retired life, he is engaged in marriage negotiations for his youngest daughter. Having failed to marry her off once, he is forced to evaluate his past. His role as a propaganda artist during the war has come back to haunt him in the new, progressive nation. He must learn to accept the new democratic sentiments and Americanism that the younger generation venerate (including his two adult daughters and grandson). He must put behind him his life in "the floating world," or the world of nightly pleasures he was taught to emulate during his youth.

As a young apprentice, Ono grew accustomed to painting geishas, but as he grows as an artist, so does his sense of nationalism and pride. He becomes a highly regarded teacher and a celebrated national artist. But once Japan is defeated, war criminals are sent to the gallows and other contributors to the war effort are committing suicide. Ono is forced to recognize his mistakes and to accept a modern Japan for the sake of his remaining family.

This is a poignant novel, and much like The Remains of the Day, focuses on coming to terms with the past. It is a self-evaluation life as Ono reinterprets his actions as a young man while maintaining his pride.

"We, at least, acted on what we believed and did our utmost".......2007-05-31

Kazuo Ishiguro was born in Nagasaki in 1954 and moved to Britain at the age of five. He was awarded the OBE in 1995 and the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1998. "An Artist of the Floating World" is his second novel, was first published in 1986 and won that year's Whitbread Prize.

"An Artist of the Floating World" opens in October 1948, and is set in post-World War II Japan. The story is told by Masuji Ono, a retired artist and - once - a man of some influence and renown. His wife and son died during the war, though both his daughters survived - one is married, with a son, while Ono is conducting negotiations for his other's marraige. Over the course of the book, Ono looks back over his life and tries to deal with how his home city and the attitudes of the people around him are changing. His own career began on the workshop of Mister Moriyama, before he moved to the studio of Master Takeda - one who favoured painting the 'floating world', as the pleasure districts were known. Finally, Ono worked with Chishu Matsuda in producing artistic propoganda - which led to his position of influence leading up to and during the war. Now, in the post-war years, he notices how his own once great reputation has faltered and how attitudes towards him and his paintings have changed. There are many, for example, from the younger generations who hold him at least partly responsible for Japan's misguided foreign policy.These changes in attitude are being mirrored by the physical changes of the city. With the post-war rebuilding, whole districts are now becoming unrecognizable - Ono's own favourite 'pleasure district' is changing in this way. These changes in attitude and in the city lead Ono to look back over his life and try to come to terms with how he has lived it.

"An Artist of the Floating World" was an excellent book, though a little sad in places. Ono himself seems a somewhat sad at how his home city is changing - partly due to the damage caused by the war, partly in the name of 'progress'. In fact, I couldn't help feeling a little sad at the loss of Ono's 'pleasure district' myself. Ono, on the other hand, doesn't quite change enough : he acknowledges his role to a point, though doesn't show any real sorrow for how things turned out. There were one or two points I'd have liked more information on - particularly his relationship with an ex-pupil called Kuroda. I'm not too surprised, however, that Ono avoided this topic as much as possible, though. For Ono to have dwelt on that topic may have caused him to discover something about himself he didn't like.

worth reading.......2007-01-06

One of my favorite writers. This book was full of digressions so sometimes hard to know where it was going but it is worth the read. It touches on Japan history (WWII) and insights the culture and art.

Book about ghosts from the past and catharsis.......2006-08-18

Kazuo Ishiguro is definitively one of my favorite contemporary writers and this novel is surely reminding me why? "An Artist of the Floating World" is first Ishiguro's novel that I've read which is settled in Japan and it brings such a fabulous picture of so many aspects of Japan society, tradition, culture and at the end, evolution. But more than anything it brings such a perfect picture of Japanese character. Magnificent indeed!

Lessons about Japanese role in WWII in school were inferior comparing with European part in all that and therefore my knowledge about this issue was not impressive at all. I knew only general, basic things and to be honest I never thought about how one Japanese (aggressor) looks on WW? Here we "can" see how art can be used in politic purposes and then how can ones handle with guilt and errors from the past. Book is no longer in my possession and therefore I cannot write quote from dialog of two old men but it's something like this:" At least we have thought that we are doing right thing and we've done the best we could do" Yes, but aren't we all doing things because we think they're right? I don't know, maybe I cannot swallow this excuse that easy because I've heard the same sentence too many times right here in my own backyard from many sides when battlefield has become only common field once again.

The strangest thing is the fact that no matter where crime is committed the basic goal, the basic idea and therefore the ultimate excuse are universal. Unfortunately conciseness, admitting errors and self punishment; undergo catharsis is everything but universal. Instead of those we have more and more excuses and at the end the worst thing: justifying crime by another crime ... and here we go again ... But in Ishiguro's book, catharsis is so normal that the reader as well as characters is experiencing it. That positive energy of youngsters in the book is magnificent which is what impressed me the most.
How youngsters are looking into the future and build that future with such an enthusiasm. During that physical transformation of the cities much more impressive is that metal one. Oh we here have so many things to learn from Japanese.

Also cultural difference is breathtaking. Marriage custom, way of conversation between family members or student and teacher even the manner of behaving to someone who you hate is so ... well I guess: Japanese *lol*

Hmmm.......2006-07-31

Both of Ishiguro's novels set in Japan are lovely pieces, but for some reason I can't connect with the stories, including, of course, this one. It could be cultural; it could be simply that I'm not ready. I adore all his other work; as a writer myself, I study his narrative voice for its sterling quality. But this is one I would recommend with reservations. I will come back to this eventually and I would wager I will love it.

Utamaro: Portraits from the Floating World (Great Japanese Art Series)

Average customer rating:

Utamaro: Portraits from the Floating World (Great Japanese Art Series)
Tadashi Kobayashi
Manufacturer: Kodansha International (JPN)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 4770016670

Average customer rating:

An Artist of the Floating World
Kazuo ISHIGURO
Manufacturer: Putnam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OPGHPI

The Artist Of The Floating World. The Remains Of The Day.

Average customer rating:

The Artist Of The Floating World. The Remains Of The Day.
Kazuo Ishiguro
Manufacturer: Book Club Associates
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UI6Q82

Artists in a Floating World/Des Artistes Dans UN Monde Flottant: The Marion McCain Atlantic Art Exhibition 2000 = Des Artistes Dans UN Monde Flottant : L'Exposition D'Art Atlantique Marion McCain 2000

Average customer rating:

Artists in a Floating World/Des Artistes Dans UN Monde Flottant: The Marion McCain Atlantic Art Exhibition 2000 = Des Artistes Dans UN Monde Flottant : L'Exposition D'Art Atlantique Marion McCain 2000
Tom Smart
Manufacturer: Beaverbrook Art Gallery
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Modern | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Museums & Collections | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Artists, Architects & Photographers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Canadian | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Territories | Regional Canada | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0920674496

Artists of the Floating World: Contemporary Writings Between Cultures

Average customer rating:

Artists of the Floating World: Contemporary Writings Between Cultures
Rob Burton
Manufacturer: University Press of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Average customer rating:

Chapters from a Floating Life
Shen Fu
Manufacturer: Silk Pagoda
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Artists, Architects & Photographers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Book Description

THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A CHINESE ARTIST Shen Fu, writer and painter, who was a native of Soochow, was born in 1763 and died sometime alter 1809. His father was by profession a secretary to magistrates, and Shen Fu was apprenticed in the same profession. Shen held various posts as a secretary, but he also worked by turns as a teacher and merchant. Although he had a studio in Soochow for a time he found that he could not make a living out of his paintings and for much of his life was miserably poor. He was sustained by his beloved wife Ch'en Yun, who died in 1803 after twenty-three years of marriage, and he movingly commemorates their mutual devotion in his enchanting biography.

The Floating World: The Story of Japanese Prints

Average customer rating:

Another hit
You better like Japanese art before you read this...
Floating Prose

The Floating World: The Story of Japanese Prints
James A Michener
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

ASIN: B0006ATTIS

Product Description

A lively and authoritative account of the great age--aprox. 1660 to 1860 - of Japanese prints and the artists who created them.

Customer Reviews:

Another hit.......2005-11-09

This is the definitive study of the ukiyo-e masters and the Japanese prints of the Edo era, it makes you wonder how one man can know so much about so many different things. Michener is a leader in the field of everything!!

You better like Japanese art before you read this..........2004-01-09

Michener describes in exhausting detail his fascination with Japanese woodblock prints, discussing their origins, the collaborating history and how the subject matter may have changed as a result of political and social influences within Japan. The most enjoyable part of the book for those who have no equal fascination for this art form are the stories that Michener inserts regarding local personalities and historical origins. Also, page references to illustrations do not clearly correspond, as though there may have been some misunderstanding on this reviewer's part or a mass typographical error in this edition. Dear reader is best suited to have a keen interest in this art form in order to fully appreciate the work that Michener presents.

Floating Prose.......2002-02-24

As is typical with Michener, not only does he manage to tell a great story, but somehow he squeezes in the whole universe: all the people, their thoughts, actions, backgrounds, lives, and histories of their country, art, styles, artists, etc., involved in this tale of the art world all the way from the dawn til he lifted his pen from the page.

This is the definitive study of the ukiyo-e masters and the Japanese prints of the Edo era. It details things print by print, artist by artist. An amazing work. No wonder, as Howard Link mentions in his forward, that people were so impressed with Michener's command of this subject that he was literally given entire collections of fantastic ancient Japanese artwork. This chronicles why Michener became the world's premiere collector and savior of the ukiyo-e masterpieces. It also makes abundantly clear why Michener is a master of prose much like the artists he loved were masters of this unique block and ink medium.

Book Description

The ukiyo-e artist Isoda Koryusai produced thousands of designs between 1769 and 1781, a crucial period in the evolution of the print tradition, and was honored with the imperial title of hokkyu, yet he has been long neglected by scholars. Allen Hockley has identified more than 2,500 designs of wide-ranging formats and themes, demonstrating that Koryusai broadened the treatment of traditional print subjects and appealed to a wider and more varied audience. Koryusai's sheer output suggests he may very well be the most productive artist of the eighteenth century.

Refuting outmoded paradigms of connoisseurship and challenging the assumptions of conventional print scholarship, Hockley elevates this important figure from the status of a minor Edo-period artist. He argues that Koryusai excelled by the most significant measure--he was a highly successful creator of popular commodities. Employing an "active audience" model, Hockley reshapes the study of ukiyo-e as a scholarly discipline by assessing Koryusai's significance from the perspective of consumer culture.

While scholars will be intrigued by Hockley's groundbreaking arguments, general readers will be fascinated by Koryusai's richly varied career. Five appendixes catalog all of the artist's known print designs, forming a record of Koryusai's works that will serve as a lasting reference text for collectors, dealers, and curators.

Customer Reviews:

Deftly analyzes over 2,000 of Koryusai's designs.......2004-01-09

Isoda Koryusai produced thousands of designs between 1769 and 1781, a crucial period in the Japanese print tradition era, and though he was honored in Japan for his works, he's been largely neglected by western art scholars. Allen Hockley's The Prints Of Isoda Koryusai deftly analyzes over 2,000 of Koryusai's designs, surveying his influence as a minor Edo-period artist and arguing that Koryusai excelled in his output and his creation of popular commodities. The Prints Of Isoda Koryusai is essential reading for any student of Japanese printmaking history and artists.

a worthy subject.......2003-12-31

Hockley rightly returns to consider the place of the consumer in the market for popular prints, and it would have been beneficial if the argument had been further developed. It should have considerable impact on the field, but it is overall not as groundbreaking as has been claimed.

Kind of sloppy, low production values.......2003-11-22

Not worth $60. Most of the black & white illustrations look smudgy, and the appendix is pretty incoherent. You really have to work hard for some of the information.

new scholarship, expanding the field.......2003-06-29

The review by "a reader from New York" would have more credibility if it were not anonymous -- why is it not signed? I've talked to a dozen scholars in the field, all have welcomed the book and emphasized its usefulness. Both as raw scholarly material and in its analysis, the book brings an artist and his delightful works out from under a shadow. The 100-page Appendix is an extraordinarily complete compendium of Koryusai's oeuvre -- Hockley's research has pushed the number of known works from about 500 to over 2500. The diacritical problem appears to be limited to a single (repeated) example. Though highly biased, I am not alone in considering the book attractively presented.

New perspectives on an important artist.......2003-06-28

I found the book to be very useful in understanding ukiyoe prints from novel perspectives--especially consumer patterns and, more importantly, in terms of how artists were influenced by one another. Koryusai has long been overlooked and this book helps set the record straight. I've read most of the books in English on woodblock prints and this one gives us a refreshingly new approach. I like the way the author deals with culture, the circulation of images, women (I'm a woman and I detect no misogyny--as another reviewer suggests...), sex, and popular culture. It has loads of useful information for all levels of reader. I might never use the appendices, but they should be welcomed by scholars in the area of Edo art and culture. I highly recommend this book ! I only wish that there were more color illustrations, but for that I'll just have to go to the many OTHER Japanese print books and museum catalogues that illustrate Koryusai in color--but say nothing new or very useful about him!

Customer Reviews:

WOW! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!.......2007-05-05

What was Tara thinking? Exchanging her virtue for some pics for charity. Well evidently she's smarter than me. 'Cause she ended up with the man. You go girl. Ms. Jackson I loved it.

He Can Challenge Me Anytime..........2007-03-20

WOW...talk about HOT, HOT, HOT...who knew the Westmoreland boys were so tempting. This is the first Westmoreland novel I've read and you can bet, I'll be searching for the rest. I couldn't put it down 'til I was done! Tara and Thorn definitely had their hands full with one another, each one fighting the temptation or love for 2 years, I couldn't imagine! I thoroughly enjoyed the teasing of the brothers. The way they wanted to protect Tara's honor, if Thorn only wanted to use her. And just the way the brothers interacted with each other! Well done Mrs. Jackson!

Hot! Hot! Hot!.......2006-08-23

Hot! What more can I say? Thorn's Challenge was the best romance I've read in awhile. Brenda Jackson thouroghly challenges both characters in this book, which makes for a very steamy read! This was the 2nd book I read by the author and I wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed the family aspect, the romance and the thrill. I highly recommend.

One heck of a ride.......2006-08-04

All I can say is thank you to Mrs. Jackson for a wonderful ride, read and summer! This book was the very first Brenda Jackson book I ever read and I have been hooked ever since. I have spent all summer reading as many of her books as I can find. Thorn and Tara were a perfect challenge and is my favorite Westmoreland couple out of the 4 I have read so far. With a great supporting cast, be prepared to not put this one down and to read it again and again.

Its raining WESTMORELAND men up in here....(:D).......2006-01-11

as I TRY TO EXPLAIN HOW GOOD THIS BOOK IS i can't form into words what i'm feeling i can't express it either i mean i'm just speechless YOU would have to go and buy it and read it, their chemistry is so intense from the first and second book in the series of the westmoreland family that its amazing, the build up of both delaney's best friend and delaney's brother is like WOW!!! the part about the birth control i mean save sex everyone but that was the sweetest reason to ask that of her and the ending O.M.G!!!! was that sweet or what, and the vibe with the brothers is just so great if they were real you would really want to meet the whole family this book is worth it trust me you would want to keep rereading it till its worn... This isn't even worth 5 stars to me but at least 10 stars any one beg to differ about the book being good i mean sorry you don't feel the same way but i wouldn't change a thing in this book

Everybody has a different opinion when writting a review if we all had the same reviews or opinions it would be boring. Reviews can sometimes down play a really good book or up play a really bad book its up to us to read the book and judge for ourselfs and draw our own conclusion thats the best thing about a review its like a silent debate....

His Roses & Thorns: A Devotional Strategic, Practical Applications of Faith for Everyday Challenges

Average customer rating:

His Roses & Thorns: A Devotional Strategic, Practical Applications of Faith for Everyday Challenges
Wanda Scott Bledsoe
Manufacturer: ACW Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Devotionals | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1932124098

Book Description

A daily devotional of faith-inspired stories about family and friends.

Average customer rating:

Thorn's Challenge
Brenda Jackson
Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OXJ85Q

Average customer rating:

Thorn's Challenge
Brenda Jackson
Manufacturer: Silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OWOWPI

Ten Titles: Delaney's Desert Sheikh; A Little Dare; Thorn's Challenge; Stone Cold Surrender; Riding The Storm; Jared's Counterfeit Fiancee; The Chase Is On; The Durango Affair; Ian's Ultimate Gamble; Seduction, Westmoreland Style (Westmoreland's)

Average customer rating:

Ten Titles: Delaney's Desert Sheikh; A Little Dare; Thorn's Challenge; Stone Cold Surrender; Riding The Storm; Jared's Counterfeit Fiancee; The Chase Is On; The Durango Affair; Ian's Ultimate Gamble; Seduction, Westmoreland Style (Westmoreland's)
Brenda Jackson
Manufacturer: Silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000TO6GF0

Product Description

Ten books from Brenda Jackson's Westmoreland series. Delaney's Desert Sheikh; A Little Dare; Thorn's Challenge; Stone Cold Surrender; Riding The Storm; Jared's Counterfeit Fiancee; The Chase Is On; The Durango Affair; Ian's Ultimate Gamble; Seduction, Westmoreland Style

Book Description

Although strong and relentless, Batman has no super powers. Instead he relies on Sherlock Holmes-like abilities of deduction and detection. Forensic Files of Batman features two dozen entries from Batman's Case Files. Most are written by Batman himself, but two are from Police Commissioner Gordon, and there are a couple of other entries from Batman's right hand man, Alfred the butler. Cases range from the puzzling to the bizarre, and feature such classic Batman villains as The Joker, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Two-Face. Interspersed among the Case File reports are sidebars that explain the specific kinds of forensic science that Batman uses to solve his cases.

Book Description

Being Nobody, Going Nowhere is the winner of the Christmas Humphreys Award for Best Introductory Buddhist Book. In this new edition of her classic best-selling book, Ayya Khema gives clear, practical instruction on meditation and techniques for overcoming counterproductive mental habits and beliefs. Through the simple practices detailed here, one can develop deeper insight, a sense of calm well-being, and a greater capacity to love and feel loved on a daily basis. This incredible book also includes an eloquent, sparklingly lucid outline of the Buddhist path that can be understood and enjoyed by everyone.

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful guide to meditation.......2007-07-20

I've read many books about meditation, but for me this is the best. I highly recommend it for both beginning and experienced meditators.

The Essence of Buddhism.......2006-10-10

There are thousands of books out there for people interested in Buddhism, but few of them get to the core of what it's all about and why it's so important to practice, practice, practice. This is undoubtedly the best. Just the first chapter alone is perhaps the best summary I've ever read of what Buddhism really is.

Best first book.......2005-08-03

I used to always recommend Walpola Rahula's "What the Buddha Taught" as the best first read for someone looking to get started with Buddhism but now I think I'd recommend this instead. Rahula's book seems better for those with just an intellectual interest in Buddhism, but this book seems better for those who are ready to start changing their life. An absolute gem.

Meaningful words for checking the ego........2004-07-18

A book that transcends the page and leaves the reader with insight long after putting it down. It is written in a style that is easy for Western Bhuddist readers to comprehend. Well worth the time and money to read.

Ayya Khema's book is a summary of lessons at a Bhuddist retreat in Sri Lanka, but it reads like an overview of the most important Bhuddist teachings in one volume.

Wonderful Book!.......2003-10-31

I've been looking for a good book on the fundamentals of Buddhism and have read several. Most books on this topic get so tied up in the language (wordiness) that the meaning is lost. However, this book is refreshing and goes straight to the point. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to better his or her daily life.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books