In Praise of Shadows

In Praise of Shadows is a captivating work by the renowned author Junichiro Tanizaki. Published by Vintage Publishing in 2019, this book is a unique exploration of the aesthetics of darkness and shadow, offering a fresh perspective on beauty and design. As a prominent figure in the literary world, Tanizaki skilfully uses his words to paint vivid images and evoke profound emotions. This book falls under the genre of essays, but it's so much more than that. It's a philosophical journey that takes you through the subtle nuances of Japanese culture and aesthetics. In Praise of Shadows is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding different perspectives on beauty and design. It's a testament to Tanizaki's prowess as a writer and his deep understanding of his culture. Published by Vintage Publishing, this book is a gem in contemporary literature.

Junichiro Tanizaki was one of Japan's greatest twentienth century novelists. Born in 1886 in Tokyo, his first published work - a one-act play - appeared in 1910 in a literary magazine he helped to found. Tanizaki lived in the cosmopolitan Tokyo area until the earthquake of 1923, when he moved to the Kyoto-Osaka region and became absorbed in Japan's past.All his most important works were written after 1923, among them Some Prefer Nettles (1929), The Secret History of the Lord of Musashi (1935), several modern versions of The Tale of Genji (1941, 1954 and 1965), The Makioka Sisters, The Key (1956) and Diary of a Mad Old Man (1961). He was awarded an Imperial Award for Cultural Merit in 1949 and in 1965 he was elected an honorary member of the American Academy and the National Institute of Arts and Letters, the first Japanese writer to receive this honour. Tanizaki died later that same year.