Floating World of Ukiyo-E: Shadows, Dreams and Substance
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, OHCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.