- Hardcover: 347 pages
- Publisher: University of California Press (Jan 16 2004)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0520047427
- ISBN-13: 978-0520047426
- Product Dimensions: 21.1 x 20.6 x 3.8 cm
- Shipping Weight: 975 g
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,206,072 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
Review
"Provides an important window on the arts practiced by geisha, a history of their profession, and their reception in modern Japan through the mid-1970s."--Southeast Review of Asian Stds
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
Book Description
In this classic best seller, Liza Dalby, the first non-Japanese ever to have trained as a geisha, offers an insider's look at the exclusive world of female companions to the Japanese male elite. A new preface examines how geisha have been profoundly affected by the changes of the past quarter century yet--especially in Kyoto--have managed to take advantage of modern developments to maintain their social position with flair.
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
An outsiders look into the Geisha world,
This review is from: Geisha: 25th Anniversary Edition, Updated with a New Preface (Paperback)
This is a top-notch anthological work. It is easy to read and Liza clearly enjoys what she is doing. She has included details that could not be found elsewhere. The pictures are good too. This is the 25th anniversary book and since the original publishing one of the six Geisha districts in Kyoto has disappeared.Dalby attended parties and played the shamisen. She also wore a kimono, a geiko wig and makeup. It is a bit of a marketing scam to call her a Geisha. She never went through the formal processes of becoming a Geisha, which would take several years. She was not associated any okiya and clients were not billed for her attendance. A sports reporter does not become a professional ball player by conducting interviews in the locker room.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.4 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews) 12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is good news!,
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Geisha (Paperback)
I first read this book in the early '90s and was so impressed that I bought multiple copies to give as gifts. Liza Dalby portrays the geisha world as a special and exotic one -- exotic by the standards of any modern culture, including that of Japan. She makes this private world accessible but avoids any tendency to sensationalize or dissect -- the geisha world is revealed with grace and subtlety. At the same time, a history of geisha culture involves the history of so much else in Japan -- various social customs, attitudes toward female sexuality, transportation, nightlife... Dalby goes there too. I am really glad _Geisha_ will be available again. Just the other day, I was bemoaning the fact that Dalby's _Geisha_ seems to be out of print. I need a copy for my library! Can't wait. -- TQ in New York 10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A unique and fascinating account,
By mdchachi "mdchachi" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Geisha (Hardcover)
Like others I read this book after reading Memoirs of a Geisha. I found this book much more interesting because it tells real stories about real people. The history and backgound that Dalby relates as well her own personal experiences make this book one-of-a-kind and deeply interesting. A must-read for anybody interested to learn more about geisha. Although there are extensive footnotes to explain certain things more deeply, the more you already know about Japan, the more you will get out of this book.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
love it.,
By Charlotte Vale - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Geisha (Hardcover)
i actually read this book in barns and noble last year. i went there every day for a week or two, and read a bit. i've always wanted to read it, and i have always been fascinated with geisha. if your're interested in knowing more about geisha, learning about some of the smaller details, or you want to know what really went on, and what is currently going on, i highly recommend it. i recently came across it on amazon, and decided to buy a copy even though i'd already read it.
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