Photography in Japan 1853-1912 by Terry Bennett (PDF)

Description

Photography in Japan 1853-1912 is a fascinating visual record of Japanese culture during its metamorphosis from a feudal society to a modern, industrial nation at a time when the art of photography was still in its infancy. The 350 rare and antique photos in this book, most of them published here for the first time, chronicle the introduction of photography in Japan and early Japanese photography. The images are more than just a history of photography in Japan; they are vital in helping to understand the dramatic changes that occurred in Japan during the mid-nineteenth century.These rare Japanese photographs–whether sensational or everyday, intimate or panoramic–document a nation about to abandon its traditional ways and enter the modern era. Taken between 1853 and 1912 by the most important Japanese and foreign photographers working in Japan, this is the first book to document the history of early photography in Japan a comprehensive and systematic way.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐The above book description mentions 350 photos, but you actually get over 400 rare illustrations. That’s because on top of the photos, the book also includes lots of rare Japanese studio advertisements from way back, engravings directly related to the narrative, and other rarely (or never-before-seen) graphics relating to the subject of the book. The text is not a warmed-over review of all the same material found in other Japan Photo-histories, but offers one insight and revelation after another. The author also drags into the book a lot of photographers either never heard of before, or usually not associated with Japan. For example: Jack London, the author of “Call of the Wild” and “White Fang” is discovered scrambling all over Japan, China, and Korea, trying to escape the Japanese police and military in those places, while shooting photos for a US Newspaper Syndicate. He gets arrested at least three times under incredible circumstances, driving the Japanese authorities to the limits of exasperation. Stories like this are non-stop covering Japanese photographic adventures from the 1850s all the way to the death of Emperor Meiji in 1912 (and even a little beyond!). There’s lots of behind-the-scenes drama touching on the private lives of the photographers, who in most Old-Pictures-of-Japan type books are usually discussed only in direct relationship to the photographs they took. Author Bennett sweeps nothing under the rug as scandal after scandal follows in the footsteps of one intrepid photographer after another — all while seeing them produce some of the finest photography the world has ever seen. In books such as this, we are generally used to seeing only the album views of Beato, Stillfried, Kimbei, Fasari, Tamamura and others. Bennett gives us all of those (including many images never published before) as well as rarely seen photo-portraits of all these photographers who are usually mentioned without a face to go with it. However, here for the first time, we are also introduced to many other “album view makers” that for one reason or another slipped through the cracks of history. In another departure from the standard fare, lots of old and beautiful stereoviews appear scattered throughout the book. As a lover of 3-D images, I was surprised at the amount of old stereoviews packed onto the pages, incuding several found in my own old boxes of views. No viewer is included — as it was not meant to be a 3-D book — but if you can get your eye-balls to cooperate, it’s free-view heaven for those that handle it. So, if you like the history of photography in general, and Japan in specific, this latest offering in the field of Asian photographic history will not disappoint. Drawing on over 50 world-wide collections, it has almost every format and style of image in perfect historical balance from cover to cover, along with a fresh new text that never quits. Both the newcomer who wants to be introduced to it all, and the collector, dealer, or archivist who wants to be informed of all the latest diggings into the life and times of these major players (and many important minor ones as well) will probably end up cracking this book open on more than one occasion — only to find themselves sucked into the world of old Lotus-Land Japan; a world long since wiped off the face of the earth.

⭐The text content of this book is excellent, giving thoughtful, comprehensive summaries of the lives of famous figures in Japanese photography. However, for a book about photography the Kindle version’s images are of so-so quality. I do, however, find the desktop computer Kindle app to be the best way to view the photos (I’ve tested the book on my MacBook, iPad mini, and Kindle PaperWhite).Having said that, the real strength of this book is the excellent collection of textual information and compelling stores of it’s subject nature. And although some of the photographs are interesting, many of the best works by featured photographers are not found in this book.

⭐It’s fascinating to see all these beautifully hand-painted photos from long ago.

⭐Good but too much photos on high ranking samurai, not on just folks to give a better idea of Japan past. I wish we could get same book of pictures for various countries in SE Asia. Indonesia, Malaysia, burma, etc.

⭐This is a book about a very unfortunately forgotten era of photography. The Early works of the great photographers in Japan is finally brought to the general public and now we can see photos that we would have had to go to Japan to view. The Author has done exceptional research in getting the proper attribution to the correct photographers. I would now like to see a second volume from 1912-2007.

⭐Well if you’re interested in old japanese photography,this is a great first step into it.very well documented and well printed

⭐Just wonderful!

⭐This book is for anyone who enjoys old photographs of other cultures. A collection of photographs that will never be seen anywhere else. The text is well done discribing all aspects of each photo. Great Book!!!!

⭐This is a magnificent book which shows the outstanding depth of knowledge on the subject by the author.As stated by the title, this book provides a comprehensive account of the history of photography in Japan from its very beginnings to the early years of the 1900s (i.e., the Meiji period [明治時代]).The book is not only highly informative, it also provides a superb sample of early photographs which, at the risk of using a tired old cliché, offer a true magic window into the past.Of particular interest to me are the scenes of everyday life. That is, the ones not pre-set at a studio.These scenes offer a wealth of historical detail regarding clothes, tools, housing, transport, etc.Rare was the photo in this book I didn’t stare at for at least 15 minutes, trying to extract as much as possible from it.If you share the same fascination for old photos you won’t go wrong with this book.And you will enlighten yourself in the process too.

⭐The book contains an absolutely fascinating collection of old photographs which make for an intriguing glimpse into the past.

⭐Beautifully produced book. It’s quite hard to find books on this topic of old photographs in Japan so I am so glad to have bought a copy. The book is very informative about photography and provides a wonderful glimpse of Japanese life even though many of the photos were taken in Japanese studios as was the trend back in the old days. I didn’t expect the book to be so heavy and large. Overall, the printing production value is very high. It’s a great addition to any photography book collection.

⭐Very good, book and package

⭐Interesting book about the early photography

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