Tosh's review
In Praise of Shadows by Jun'ichiro Tanizaki
Uber-fascinating book about a great author's aesthetic when it comes to rooms and lighting. He talks about the beauty of shadows in a room and how the light bulb sort of became the enemy of .... well everything!
Tanizaki is one of Japan's great authors, and this book may seem like a reactionary work from an older man, but I think it's a passionate cry out for things that were left mysterious and due to technology (like light bulbs) exposes what is so beautiful about darkness and foods that look good in a romantic (dark) setting.
Sounds slight, but it is really a heavy book. One of the best books I have read on aesthetics.
Tanizaki is one of Japan's great authors, and this book may seem like a reactionary work from an older man, but I think it's a passionate cry out for things that were left mysterious and due to technology (like light bulbs) exposes what is so beautiful about darkness and foods that look good in a romantic (dark) setting.
Sounds slight, but it is really a heavy book. One of the best books I have read on aesthetics.
