The Life and Times of Japanese Print Masters

by Donald Kahn

"There are many lovely picture books on the subject of Japanese prints but none explore the times in which the prints were created.  To view this important subject without the historical context is incomplete.  The historical context gives meaning to these works of art and makes them pulse with life.  Mr. Kahn's book provides context.  It also answers many key questions, like why a certain artists portrayed Kabuki actors and others focused on the ladies of the Yoshiwara; why some depicted landscapes and others theatre subjects; the role of the publisher, and even how the prints were made."