Review by Choice Review
This is in substance a handbook on the constructional elements of Japanese buildings, seemingly compiled from the architect-author's notebook. This volume by Locher (Univ. of Utah) would be handier if done in catalog format; presented as a narrative, it is tediously repetitive from section to section in providing highly useful information. The text eschews any theoretical, historical, anthropological, or cultural discourse, except in very general terms, e.g., Japanese architecture's intimate relationship to nature. But it describes architectural components thoroughly, exactingly, and lovingly--identifying them all with Japanese terms. Stunningly beautiful full-color photographs, especially of details--several on every page--are meant to illustrate the text, but their use is not consistent. Many of the photographs, though tersely described, are not fully identified; the book does not provide a list of illustrations. Overall, this is a delightful book of photographs and a useful, if not always user-friendly, guide for Japanophile architects and designers. Summing Up: Recommended. Professionals/practitioners and general readers. T. K. Kitao emerita, Swarthmore College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
It's easy to fall in love with this book. The subject is fascinating, the photography stunning, the writing clear and cogent, and the printing and binding top rate-all of which make one want more. Many of the pictures are cropped until they¿re wee tidbits (there are also some full-page beauties), and it can be difficult to form an overall impression of the various types of traditional Japanese buildings and the way they relate to their environment. Since this book is designed to focus on the components that go into making Japanese architecture distinctive, additional large-scale images would have made this good book even better. The writing is studded with Japanese terms (defined in the text or glossary), but it is quite readable and to the point.VERDICT As it is, this will be valuable to anyone interested in the subtleties of woodwork, garden design, spatial organization, ornamental detailing, foundation materials, and a host of other topics integral to creating traditional Japanese buildings. Designers, architects, artists, and anyone with a love of Japanese traditional culture will enjoy this book.-David McClelland, Philadelphia (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
