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FATHER'S DAY

City of Fortune, How Venice Ruled the Seas

Roger Crowley

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PROVENCE & THE COTE D'AZUR

A Pig in Provence: Good Food and Simple Pleasures in the South of France

Georgeanne Brennan

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OUR FAVORITES

Arctic Dreams

Barry Lopez

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PENGUIN CLASSICS

The Log from the Sea of Cortez

John Steinbeck

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KYOTO

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Anthology of Japanese Literature from the Earliest Era to the Mid-Nineteenth Century


by Donald Keene

  • ANTHOLOGY
  • 1988
  • PAPER
  • 442 PAGES

A classic first published in 1955, this book presents great Japanese literature over the ages. (JPN12, $16.95)

Architecture and Authority in Japan


by William H. Coaldrake

  • ART & ARCHITECTURE
  • 1996
  • HARD COVER

Japanese architecture and its relationship to political and religious power structures. (JPN112, $64.95)

An Artist in the Floating World


by Kazuo Ishiguro

  • LITERATURE
  • 1989
  • PAPER
  • 206 PAGES

His second novel, Ishiguro weaves a tale of an aging artist in postwar Japan. (JPN58, $14.00)

Baisao, The Old Tea Seller, Life and Zen Poetry in 18th Century Kyoto

Baisao, The Old Tea Seller, Life and Zen Poetry in 18th Century Kyoto


by Norman Waddell | Baisao

  • BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR
  • 2008
  • HARD COVER
  • 222 PAGES

Waddell places the Zen-inspired the poet and Buddhist priest into he texture of the temples and life of 18th-century Kyoto in this marvelous biographical sketch and collection of letters, poems and memoirs. (JPN359, $24.00)

Black Arrow

Black Arrow


by I. J. Parker

  • MYSTERY
  • 2006
  • PAPER
  • 352 PAGES

Detective Akitada must solve a series of brutal slayings in the northern city of Echigo. (JPN201, $15.00)

The Blue-Eyed Tarokaja, A Donald Keene Anthology

The Blue-Eyed Tarokaja, A Donald Keene Anthology


by Donald Keene

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 1996
  • HARD COVER
  • 290 PAGES

Keene tackles Japanese music, language, society and literature in these insightful pieces. (JPN15, $45.00)

Buddhist Art and Architecture

Buddhist Art and Architecture


by Robert Fisher

  • ART & ARCHITECTURE
  • 1993
  • PAPER
  • 216 PAGES

A wide-ranging, illustrated survey of Buddhist art, architecture and iconography in the excellent World of Art series. It includes examples from throughout Asia. (ASA30, $19.95)

Cha-No-Yu, The Japanese Tea Ceremony


by Arthur L. Sadler | A.L. Sadler

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 1991
  • PAPER
  • 265 PAGES

A classic guide to the disciplined, enduring art of the Japanese tea ceremony. (JPN59, $14.95)

Chrysanthemum and the Sword, Patterns of Japanese Culture

Chrysanthemum and the Sword, Patterns of Japanese Culture


by Ruth Benedict | Ian Buruma

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 2006
  • PAPER
  • 324 PAGES

Published in the aftermath of World War II, this brilliant exploration of the Japanese psyche and culture retains its interest today, as much for its perspective on the West as for insights about the Japanese character. (JPN23, $15.00)

Donald Richie Reader, 50 Years of Writing on Japan

Donald Richie Reader, 50 Years of Writing on Japan


by Donald Richie | Arturo Silva

  • ANTHOLOGY
  • 2001
  • PAPER
  • 238 PAGES

A wonderful selection of essays, criticism and other writing from Richie's many books, published articles and unpublished diaries on Japan. He covers a wide range of topics and interests, including travel, film, aesthetics and Zen Buddhism. (JPN89, $19.95)

The Floating World


by James Michener | Howard A. Link

  • ART & ARCHITECTURE
  • 1990
  • PAPER
  • 453 PAGES

Michener delves into the history of Japanese printmaking. (JPN57, $27.95)

Fodor's Exploring Japan

Fodor's Exploring Japan


by David Scott

  • GUIDEBOOK
  • 2008
  • PAPER
  • 288 PAGES

A compact guide to the history, culture and attractions of Japan. Includes walking tours and good neighborhood maps, and features color photographs. (JPN33, $22.00)

Geisha

Geisha


by Liza Crihfield Dalby

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 2008
  • PAPER
  • 380 PAGES

The observations of an American graduate student who apprenticed as a geisha, interpreting this intriguing role in traditional Japanese society. (JPN49, $25.95)

Getting Wet, Adventures in the Japanese Bath

Getting Wet, Adventures in the Japanese Bath


by Eric Talmadge

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 2006
  • HARD COVER
  • 256 PAGES
  • HARD TO FIND ELSEWHERE

Tokyo-based Talmadge journeys from seaside resorts to mountain retreats and megaplexes in this cultural history of Japan through the tradition of the bath. (JPN197, $22.00)

Hitching Rides with Buddha

Hitching Rides with Buddha


by Will Ferguson

  • TRAVEL NARRATIVE
  • 2006
  • PAPER
  • 304 PAGES

As irreverent as ever, Will Ferguson tracks cherry blossoms from Kagoshima to Rishiri Island in this rollicking report from the cultural frontlines in Japan. (JPN188, $14.00)

In the Ring of Fire, A Pacific Basin Journey

In the Ring of Fire, A Pacific Basin Journey


by James Houston

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 1997
  • PAPER
  • 224 PAGES

A lyrical narrative of the author's journeys through Japan, Indonesia, Micronesia, Hawaii and California. (PAC45, $14.95)

The Japan Journals, 1947-2004

The Japan Journals, 1947-2004


by Donald Richie | Leza Lowitz

  • BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR
  • 2005
  • PAPER
  • 494 PAGES

A collection of essays from the eminent film historian and observer of Japan. (JPN141, $18.95)

Japan Map

Japan Map


by Periplus Maps

  • 2009
  • MAP

This convenient map covers the island nation at a scale of 1:2,000,000, with insets of the major cities. (JPN06, $8.95)

Japan, A Reinterpretation

Japan, A Reinterpretation


by Patrick Smith

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 1998
  • PAPER
  • 400 PAGES

A thoughtful, stimulating look at the country since World War II, targeting the role of the U.S. in creating modern Japan. Highly recommended. (JPN16, $15.95)

Japan, A Traveler's Literary Companion

Japan, A Traveler's Literary Companion


by Jeffrey Angles

  • ANTHOLOGY
  • 2006
  • PAPER
  • 256 PAGES

This geographically-organized anthology introduces both Japan and its best contemporary writers. (JPN187, $14.95)

Japan, Its History and Culture

Japan, Its History and Culture


by W. Scott Morton

  • HISTORY
  • 2004
  • PAPER
  • 311 PAGES

An introduction to Japanese history, people and culture from ancient origins to contemporary society. With selections from Japanese literature and arts, anecdotes and illustrations. (JPN03, $21.00)

Japanese Culture

Japanese Culture


by Paul Varley

  • HISTORY
  • 2000
  • PAPER
  • 383 PAGES

Valery traces cultural trends from the emergence of Japanese civilization through the present age, touching on religion, gardens, tea ceremony, the visual arts, theatre, literature and cinema. (JPN84, $24.00)

Japanese Garden Design

Japanese Garden Design


by Marc P. Keane | Haruzo Ohashi

  • ART & ARCHITECTURE
  • 2004
  • PAPER
  • 184 PAGES

An illustrated introduction to the aesthetics and meanings of Japanese gardens. It relates the social, religious and historical contexts to landscape and garden design. (JPN52, $30.00)

The Japanese Today, Continuity and Change

The Japanese Today, Continuity and Change


by Edwin O. Reischauer | Marius Jansen

  • HISTORY
  • 2004
  • PAPER
  • 459 PAGES

A wide-ranging, engaging survey of Japanese culture and society by two prominent historians. (JPN83, $29.00)

Lafcadio Hearn's Japan

Lafcadio Hearn's Japan


by Lafcadio Hearn | Donald Richie

  • ANTHOLOGY
  • 2007
  • PAPER
  • 256 PAGES

An astute sampling of the 19th-century teacher and translator's stories, letters and reflections on Japan and it people as selected by Donal Richie, who provides the preface and introduction. Heard died in Tokyo in 1904. (JPN50, $16.95)

A Lateral View, Essays on Culture and Style in Contemporary Japan

A Lateral View, Essays on Culture and Style in Contemporary Japan


by Donald Richie

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 1992
  • PAPER
  • 245 PAGES

Insightful essays tackling the arts, society and culture of modern Japan by the reigning dean of critics. (JPN01, $16.95)

Light Verse from the Floating World

Light Verse from the Floating World


by Makoto Ueda

  • LITERATURE
  • 1999
  • PAPER
  • 273 PAGES

An anthology of 400 often comic 17-syllable verse pomes that reflect daily life in Edo Japan. (JPN86, $28.00)

Lost Japan

Lost Japan


by Alex Kerr

  • TRAVEL NARRATIVE
  • 2009
  • PAPER
  • 269 PAGES

Originally appearing as a series of 15 articles in a Japanese magazine, long-time resident Kerr offers a wistful account of traditional culture and change in contemporary Japan. (JPN36, $14.99)

The Making of Modern Japan


by Marius Jansen

  • HISTORY
  • 2002
  • PAPER
  • 871 PAGES

An epic account of Japan and its transformation from feudal society to modern superpower. (JPN88, $28.50)

The Makioka Sisters

The Makioka Sisters


by Tanizaki Junichiro

  • LITERATURE
  • 1995
  • PAPER
  • 530 PAGES

The story of a merchant family in prewar Osaka and the struggle of four beautiful sisters to maintain their position in society after the death of their parents, also made into a delightful film by Ichikawa. (JPN41, $16.00)

Memoirs of a Geisha, A Novel

Memoirs of a Geisha, A Novel


by Arthur Golden

  • LITERATURE
  • 1999
  • PAPER
  • 434 PAGES

The runaway best-selling novel about a geisha in the celebrated Gion district of Kyoto. A major feat of literary impersonation, the novel is rich in period detail and ceremony. (JPN45, $15.95)

Modern Japanese Literature


by Donald Keene

  • ANTHOLOGY
  • 1989
  • PAPER
  • 448 PAGES

A sampling of Japanese literature from the 19th to 2 (JPN72, $15.95)

National Geographic Japan

National Geographic Japan


by Nicholas Bornoff

  • GUIDEBOOK
  • 2008
  • PAPER
  • 400 PAGES

A guide to Japan in National Geographic style. (JPN120, $27.95)

National Geographic's Living Treasures of Japan


by National Geographic Society

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 1980
  • DVD

A documentary film by National Geographic portraying nine traditional Japanese artists, performers and craftspeople. (JPN121, $19.98)

The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon


by Shonagon Sei | Ivan Morris

  • LITERATURE
  • 2007
  • PAPER
  • 416 PAGES

Exquisite short essays and vignettes of Japanese court life in the Heian period. (JPN76, $17.00)

Pimsleur Quick & Simple Japanese

Pimsleur Quick & Simple Japanese


by Pimsleur Language Method

  • LANGUAGE & PHRASEBOOKS
  • 2005
  • AUDIO CD

Four audio CDs with eight 30-minute lessons in basic Japanese, covering elementary vocabulary and phrases used in travel and everyday situations. (JPN175, $19.95)

The Roads to Sata, A 2000-Mile Walk Through Japan

The Roads to Sata, A 2000-Mile Walk Through Japan


by Alan Booth

  • TRAVEL NARRATIVE
  • 1997
  • PAPER
  • 281 PAGES

A revealing, humorous account of the author's 2,000-mile walk north to south from Hokkaido to Kyushu by a wonderfully eccentric British expatriate. (JPN11, $16.00)

Seeing Japan


by Charles Whipple | Morihiro Hosokawa

  • GUIDEBOOK
  • 2005
  • HARD COVER

A wide-ranging introduction to modern Japan. Charles Whipple covers the basic elements of Japanese family and society, as well as geography, art, theater and sports. (JPN179, $35.00)

Shogun

Shogun


by James Clavell

  • LITERATURE
  • 2009
  • PAPER
  • 1152 PAGES

Clavell's immensely popular story of an English adventurer in 17th century Japan. (JPN47, $18.00)

Sources of Japanese Tradition, Volume 1


by Ry-Usaku Tsunoda | William Theodore de Bary

  • RELIGION
  • 1990
  • PAPER
  • 506 PAGES

A scholarly sourcebook of theological writings up through the 18th century. (JPN63, $21.00)

Sources of Japanese Tradition, Volume 2


by William Theodore de Bary | Donald Keene

  • RELIGION
  • 1990
  • PAPER
  • 399 PAGES

A scholarly sourcebook of theological writings from the 18th to mid-20th century. (JPN64, $35.00)

The Tale of Genji


by Murasaki Shikibu | Edward G. Seidensticker

  • LITERATURE
  • 1983
  • PAPER
  • 1090 PAGES

The unabridged version of one of the most famous works of Japanese prose. This is the story of Genji, a romantic man in the Heian court, as written in the 11th-century by Lady Murasaki. (JPN73, $29.95)

Tale of the Heike


by Helen Craig McCullough

  • LITERATURE
  • 1988
  • PAPER
  • 489 PAGES

Japan's most famous war tale about the fall of the Taira (Heike) clan and the victory of the Minamoto (Genji) during the end of the 12th century. (JPN75, $29.95)

Thousand Cranes

Thousand Cranes


by Yasunari Kawabata | Edward G. Seidensticker

  • LITERATURE
  • 1996
  • PAPER
  • 147 PAGES

This novella by the great Kawabata may be Japan's best-known literary work, a story of love, grief and redemption. Kawabata's prose is as economical as the tea ceremony itself, and very beautiful. (JPN34, $13.95)

Through Japanese Eyes

Through Japanese Eyes


by Richard H. Minear

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 1995
  • PAPER
  • 360 PAGES

A survey of Japanese culture, society and people. (JPN92, $21.95)

Turning Japanese, Memoirs of a Sansei

Turning Japanese, Memoirs of a Sansei


by David Mura

  • BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR
  • 2005
  • PAPER
  • 376 PAGES

The riveting, wonderfully observed tale of a thoroughly American Sansei (i.e. Japanese-American), born and raised in California, who heads to Japan with his American wife. (JPN44, $14.00)

Unbeaten Tracks in Japan

Unbeaten Tracks in Japan


by Isabella Bird

  • TRAVEL NARRATIVE
  • 2007
  • PAPER
  • 400 PAGES

Bird's narrative of her travels in Japan in 1878, just after the country re-opened its doors to the world. She spent little time on the cities, heading straight out to meet the peasants in their fields. (JPN94, $12.95)

The Unknown Craftsman, A Japanese Insight into Beauty

The Unknown Craftsman, A Japanese Insight into Beauty


by Soetsu Yanagi | Shoji Hamada | Bernard Leach

  • ART & ARCHITECTURE
  • 1990
  • PAPER
  • 230 PAGES

Soetsu Yanagi (1889-1961) presents Japanese crafts, their integral place in Japanese society, and the role of the craftsman in this an excellent overview of the foundations of the Mingei (folk-craft) movement. With 76 illustrations. (JPN116, $35.00)

The Way of Zen

The Way of Zen


by Alan Watts

  • RELIGION
  • 1999
  • PAPER
  • 236 PAGES

A history and introduction to the practices of Zen. (JPN71, $14.00)

What is Japanese Architecture? A Survey of Traditional Japanese Architecture

What is Japanese Architecture? A Survey of Traditional Japanese Architecture


by Kazuo Nishi | Kazuo Hozomi

  • ART & ARCHITECTURE
  • 1996
  • PAPER
  • 144 PAGES

A concise introduction to traditional Japanese buildings, from prehistory to the mid-19th century. (JPN69, $32.00)

A Woman's Asia

A Woman's Asia


by Marybeth Bond

  • ANTHOLOGY
  • 2005
  • PAPER
  • 310 PAGES

These thirty-five personal, often hilarious accounts of women's adventures from China to Sri Lanka to Turkey to Bhutan, not only illuminating the everyday, oft-overlooked cultural practices of Asia, but also giving a glimpse into the thoughts and feelings of the female traveller. (ASA49, $17.95)

The World of the Shining Prince, Court Life in Ancient Japan

The World of the Shining Prince, Court Life in Ancient Japan


by Ivan Morris | Barbara Ruch

  • HISTORY
  • 1994
  • PAPER
  • 352 PAGES

A recreation of life in eleventh-century Japan. (JPN70, $17.00)

 

Longitude provides recommended reading for travelers in partnership with the leading tour operators and travel programs for hundreds of destinations worldwide. We've got the classic, new and hard-to-find books and maps to help you get the most out of your adventures.