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ONE THOUSAND YEARS OF MANGA 

Brigitte Koyama-Richard is a professor at the University of Tokyo, where she teaches comparative literature and art history. She has published several works on Japanese art.  Two of her previous books are Komodo-e [2004] and Japon Reve [2002].

 

 

I know there may be one or two Manga fans out there[!] so with a title like “One Thousand Years Of Manga” how could I ignore Koyama-Richard’s new book?

 

 

According to the publisher’s info:

 

 

In recent years, Manga has seen phenomenal success, not only in

Japan, where it dominates the publishing industry, but also in the West, where it is steadily growing in popularity and influence. As swift and sudden as the popularity of this graphic art form may seem, Manga has, in fact, deep roots in Japanese culture, drawing on centuries-old artistic traditions.

As early as the twelfth century, Emakimono scrolls existed, a narrative form in which stories of all kinds—romantic, fantastic, even comic—were told through the combined use of text and illustration. Japanese art continued to change as profound political, social, and economic transformations remade the country in the centuries to follow.

 

 

Today there is little doubt as to the meaning of the term Manga—nor to the astonishing popularity of the form—but few in the West understand the long artistic history that gave birth to this phenomenon and the social factors that continue to shape it today.

 

 

One Thousand Years of Manga is both an informative account of the genesis of the form and a visual delight. Through its captivating illustrations and enlightening text, the book situates Manga in its proper context, appreciating it for what it truly is: an integral part of Japanese art and culture that is as rich and revealing as it is popular.

 

Pub Date: February 2008

Format: HardcoverCategory: Comics & Graphic Novels - Graphic Novels - Manga

US Price: $49.95CAN Price: $62.00

ISBN: 978-2-08-030029-4 (2-08-030029-6)

Publisher: Flammarion

Trim Size: 9 x 10-3/4

 

 

I’ve seen postings stating the book is in French.  Well,originally,yes.  But the February edition is in English!  If you are into Manga then this book should be of interest to you –unless you’re only interested in reading Manga not it’s history!

 

Looking forward to seeing this one!