Floating World of Ukiyo-E

The Library of Congress presents a gorgeous exhibition catalog that pulls from its collection of over 2000 Ukiyo-e prints and pre-19th-century Japanese art books one of the largest such collections outside of Japan. Blood, fine print curator in the Prints and Photographs division of the Library of Congress, brings together essays from various professionals that give shape to Ukiyo-e, a style of art that flourished in 17th-century Edo, Japan. A strong essay on the actual definition of Ukiyo-e and how it may have been misrepresented as "floating world" or "sorrowful world" heads the book. A discussion of class in Japan and its placement of artisans, warlords, and merchants shows that Ukiyo-e was a strong socio-political statement as well as a thing of beauty. The following chapters give context to the Library of Congress collection and highlight some of its more rare and delightful objects. Excellent scholarship and beautiful color illustrations make this book well worth the price. Recommended for public and academic libraries, especially those with an interest in Japan or art history. Nadine Dalton Speidel, Cuyahoga Cty. P.L., Parma, OH Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.