Review of Hiroshige: One Hundred Famous Views of Edo

This wonderful book contains 118 (not 100) very large and simply magnificent full-page colour reproductions of Hiroshige's series of woodblock prints which depict the waterways, bridges, blossoms, buildings, people, seasons, gardens, temples, ceremonies (and more) in mid-19th century Tokyo. The accompanying text, neatly arranged on each facing page, is informative, accessible, well-written and enhances appreciation of the subject.

I've spent countless rapt and contented hours contemplating the extraordinary variety of vivid, atmospheric, delicate, witty, bold, striking, lyrical, serene, original and lovely compositions- each carried out with remarkable technique and beautifully evoking a world now largely lost to concrete.

The book should appeal greatly to anyone with a sensitive soul, an interest in art (the prints were a major influence on Van Gogh), or admiration for Japanese traditions. If you have someone special in mind for a gift (i treated myself!), but the price seems prohibitive, fear not. Much more than simply money well spent, it's an absolute treasure.