In Praise of Shadows

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki led the aesthetic movement in Japanese literature and believed that beauty is the only thing worth attention in the vast and empty world. In the seminal essay 'In Praise of Shadows,' Tanizaki describes the confrontation between East and West, progress and tradition, light and shadow. This collection also includes selected novellas and stories by the author, in which Tanizaki fully demonstrates his brilliant style, clear narrative rhythm, unmatched command of language, and deep understanding of the history and traditions of his homeland.