Photography in Japan 1853-1912

This is a magnificent book which shows the outstanding depth of knowledge on the subject by the author.As stated by the title, this book provides a comprehensive account of the history of photography in Japan from its very beginnings to the early years of the 1900s (i.e., the Meiji period [明治時代]).The book is not only highly informative, it also provides a superb sample of early photographs which, at the risk of using a tired old cliché, offer a true magic window into the past.Of particular interest to me are the scenes of everyday life. That is, the ones not pre-set at a studio.These scenes offer a wealth of historical detail regarding clothes, tools, housing, transport, etc.Rare was the photo in this book I didn't stare at for at least 15 minutes, trying to extract as much as possible from it.If you share the same fascination for old photos you won't go wrong with this book.And you will enlighten yourself in the process too.

Beautifully produced book. It's quite hard to find books on this topic of old photographs in Japan so I am so glad to have bought a copy. The book is very informative about photography and provides a wonderful glimpse of Japanese life even though many of the photos were taken in Japanese studios as was the trend back in the old days. I didn't expect the book to be so heavy and large. Overall, the printing production value is very high. It's a great addition to any photography book collection.

Very good, book and package

Interesting book about the early photography

I have just unpacked my copy of this outstanding book and have spent the last two hours transfixed by the carefully researched text and beautiful photographs. This book manages to appeal to both the serious photo-historian and the lay reader. Bennett has invested years of painstaking research in to the lives and actitvity of all the known Meiji era Japanese photographers. The generous addition of much stereoscopic material from Bob Oechsle's collection is a real bonus. And helpfully all the stereos are printed as full size viewable stereo-pairs. A superb book.

After seeing Mr. Bennet's former titles on Historic photography, one cannot be more overwhelmed by Quaritch's amazing production and Bennet's superior knowledge of his subject. Where titles in the past such as "Japan Caught in Time" have their place in the canon of literature and photo bokks available ont eh subject, Quaritch's production really pays homage to Bennet's scholarship and obvious love for his subject. The reporoductions are amazing and the litany of response to the book in the trade can be seen as a timely and positive review overall. It occupies a favorite place on my shelf next to their equally impressive title by Ken Jacobson "Odalesques & Arabesques". Please publish more guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!1