About the book
Were it not for shadows there would be no beauty.
Nothing evokes the calm and nuance of the traditional Japanese aesthetic more profoundly than this book. Tanizaki’s eye ranges over architecture, jade, food, even toilets, examining the design and feel of the intimate places we inhabit. His acute sense of the use of space in buildings, his poetic descriptions of lacquerware under candlelight and his appreciation for natural materials suggest the possibility of a simpler, more beautiful life – one in which the softness of shadows is shielded from the dazzling light of modernity.
‘Tanazaki suggests an attitude of appreciation and mindfulness, especially mindfulness of beauty, as central to life lived well’ AC Grayling, Guardian
‘That it is a work of art can never be in doubt’ New Statesman
'Elegant...a delight to read' Independent on Sunday
Editions of In Praise of Shadows
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780099283577
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781784875572
- EBook
- ISBN 9781446475577
Read an Excerpt
Were it not for shadows there would be no beauty.
Nothing evokes the calm and nuance of the traditional Japanese aesthetic more profoundly than this book. Tanizaki’s eye ranges over architecture, jade, food, even toilets, examining the design and feel of the intimate places we inhabit. His acute sense of the use of space in buildings, his poetic descriptions of lacquerware under candlelight and his appreciation for natural materials suggest the possibility of a simpler, more beautiful life – one in which the softness of shadows is shielded from the dazzling light of modernity.
‘Tanazaki suggests an attitude of appreciation and mindfulness, especially mindfulness of beauty, as central to life lived well’ AC Grayling, Guardian
‘That it is a work of art can never be in doubt’ New Statesman
'Elegant...a delight to read' Independent on Sunday
Frequently Asked Questions
What is In Praise of Shadows about?
Were it not for shadows there would be no beauty.
Nothing evokes the calm and nuance of the traditional Japanese aesthetic more profoundly than this book. Tanizaki’s eye ranges over architecture, jade, food, even toilets, examining the design and feel of the intimate places we inhabit. His acute sense of the use of space in buildings, his poetic descriptions of lacquerware under candlelight and his appreciation for natural materials suggest the possibility of a simpler, more beautiful life – one in which the softness of shadows is shielded from the dazzling light of modernity.
‘Tanazaki suggests an attitude of appreciation and mindfulness, especially mindfulness of beauty, as central to life lived well’ AC Grayling, Guardian
‘That it is a work of art can never be in doubt’ New Statesman
'Elegant...a delight to read' Independent on Sunday
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in In Praise of Shadows?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Philosophy: aesthetics
Where can I read a sample of In Praise of Shadows?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780099283577
Who is/are the Author/s of the book In Praise of Shadows?
Junichiro Tanizaki
Who is the Publisher of the book In Praise of Shadows?
Random House
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
In Praise of Shadows is available as paperback(ISBN 9780099283577) and paperback(ISBN 9781784875572) and ebook(ISBN 9781446475577)
Where can I buy In Praise of Shadows online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy In Praise of Shadows from below
Where can I buy In Praise of Shadows?