einarsen.jpgZen and Kyoto is a new (published Sept. 17, 2004) softcover book by John Einarsen, founder of Kyoto Journal. History and development, approaches, guide to zen temples in Kyoto, clear explanations of connections with other Japanese arts, a lengthy glossary and a list of resources. Brief sidebar features throughout the book enrich the practical information. So many foreign authors on Japan simply wave a few sticks of incense and deploy a smoky cloud of tired “exotic and mysterious Japanese” phraseology, because it sells. Einarsen’s deep background knowledge of both subjects, Kyoto and Zen Buddhism, brings clarity and understanding to this book. In keeping with the subject, the design is unadorned, with monochrome illustrations and photographs (by Stewart Wachs?) throughout. 135 pages, Â¥2,500 Zen and Kyoto (Amazon Japan , Japanese)

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