In Praise of Shadows belongs to that special order of slim, enormously powerful books that enchant the lay reader with an esoteric subject, leaving a lifelong imprint on the imagination. --Maria Popova nThese all-new translations of four landmark essays by Junichiro Tanizaki bring fresh insights to the work of one of Japans most acclaimed writers. The translations by Michael P. Cronin bring together Tanizakis famous meditation on Japanese aesthetics with three other fascinating cultural commentaries that appear here in English for the first time: n nn n- In Praise of Shadows Tanizakis best-known work--an ode to the subtle, refined aesthetic of Japan and the dangers posed to it by rapid modernization n- At Okamoto A reflection on Tanizakis nostalgia for old Tokyo and his humorous attempts at writing poetry n- Hanshin Observations An early essay revealing Tanizakis initial disdain for the Osaka region, where he moved following the 1923 earthquake that destroyed Tokyo n- Osaka and Osakans as I See Them An account of Tanizakis nuanced love for Japans second city, his adopted home and the setting for his masterpiece, The Makioka Sisters nIllustrated with artful images by renowned Kyoto-based photographer John Einarsen, this book is a must-have for all fans of Japanese literature and anyone interested in Japanese art and design.