Japanese Homes and Their Surroundings

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Morse, Edward Sylvester, 1838-1925

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Japanese Homes and Their Surroundings" by Edward Sylvester Morse is a detailed ethnographic work published in the late 19th century. The book explores the architecture and interiors of traditional Japanese homes, providing insights into various styles, materials, and cultural practices related to domestic life in Japan during a time of significant change. It aims to preserve the intricate details of Japanese housing that may soon be forgotten due to modernization. The opening of the text begins with a preface that sets the stage for Morse's observations and experiences while studying Japanese homes. He draws attention to the rapid changes in Japanese society and architecture influenced by Western interactions, emphasizing the importance of documenting how traditional houses functioned within their cultural context. He reflects on the curiosity that Japanese architecture evokes among foreigners, addressing misconceptions and critiques received from Westerners about its design and functionality. Morse expresses a desire to provide a more nuanced understanding of the Japanese home, not just as structures, but as essential elements reflecting the lifestyle and values of their inhabitants. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Notes:

Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Homes_and_Their_Surroundings

Reading ease score: 65.3 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.

Release date is 2016-08-21