Eric Thomsen Boeken

Explore Edo, now Tokyo, through the eyes of Utagawa Hiroshige in this captivating 1850s tourist guide. It offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant culture, landscapes, and daily life of the era, showcasing Hiroshige's artistry and perspective. The guide serves as a historical document, blending travel insights with artistic expression, making it an enriching experience for readers interested in Japan's past and its evolution into a modern metropolis.

Set against a backdrop of political fervor, the narrative follows a charismatic young African American presidential candidate who captivates the nation, leading in polls against Hillary Clinton. His rise symbolizes hope for African Americans and inspires human rights activists globally, highlighting themes of ambition, representation, and social change. The story captures the excitement and challenges of a transformative moment in political history.

The reader may already be acquainted with Hiroshige ́s Hoeidō series (1833-34) of The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō, author's ISBN 978-1-956215-09-0. This was the most popular print series ever made in Japan. In this Tōkaidō series we follow the two scoundrels Yaji and Kita on their pilgrimage to the Grand Shrines of Ise and later travelling to Kyoto and Osaka, in the 60 prints by Fujikawa Tamenobu based on the 1802 novel by Ikku Jippensha. Fujikawa Tamenobu's 60 prints from 1890 are broadly based on Hiroshige's Tōkaidō landscape series but also draw from the old master Hokusai's humorous Tōkaidō series from 1802 through 1806. The reader experiences the same journey and can compare to the Hoeidō series. It is possible to travel the same road today and some villages are still looking quite like they did back then. The postal stations were constructed between 1601 and 1624.

Utagawa Hiroshige's two Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series, 1852 and 1858, are both a copy act and in themselves innovative artistic endeavors. Katsushika Hokusai published his famous series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji in 1830-1832 and it influenced Hiroshige tremendously to do his own series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series 1852, and 1858, which we deal with here. Hiroshige shifted to the vertical portrait format with novel and interesting results. It is in the same vertical format for landscapes that Hiroshige used in his innovative series Hundred Famous Views of Edo created with Eisen in 1835 - 1842 It is possible to travel to see the same sites today and enjoy the views of Mt Fuji, which are still very important to the Japanese.

Exploring the scenic beauty of Japan, this work by Utagawa Kunisada presents a journey through the 53 stations of the Tokaido, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Each station serves as a gateway to the landscapes, traditions, and daily life of the time, offering readers an immersive experience into Japan's historical and artistic heritage.

This work features a collection of illustrations depicting the renowned locations along the Fifty-three Stations, showcasing the beauty and cultural significance of each site. The illustrations not only capture the scenic landscapes but also highlight the historical context and stories associated with these locations, making it a visual journey through a celebrated route. The book serves as both an artistic tribute and a cultural exploration, appealing to lovers of art, history, and travel.

Experience the historical journey from Edo to Kyoto through the eyes of Utagawa Hiroshige, who traveled this route in 1832 for a significant procession. The narrative captures the landscapes, culture, and vibrant life of Japan during this period, offering a rich depiction of the scenery and experiences along the way. Hiroshige's perspective provides insight into the art and society of the time, making it a fascinating exploration of a pivotal moment in Japanese history.

Joaquín Sorolla, a renowned Spanish painter from Valencia, is celebrated for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects with remarkable skill. Active during the rise of photography, he skillfully integrated similar techniques into his breathtaking seascapes. His work not only showcases his mastery of light and color but also reflects the evolving artistic landscape of his time. Sorolla's legacy as a painter remains significant, highlighting his contributions to the art world and his unique approach to capturing scenes.

Hokusai's 53 Stations of the Tokaido 1806 Horizontal showcases a unique exploration of print design, diverging from his earlier works like the 36 Views of Mt Fuji. This series emphasizes innovative themes, utilizing voids and white space while featuring expansive landscapes and humorous roadside encounters. Unlike his other Tokaido series, it captures a distinct blend of artistry and playfulness, reflecting Hokusai's evolving style and creative vision.

The book explores the dangers posed by Arab oil, highlighting its toxicity and the direct threat it presents to Europe's security and survival. It delves into the geopolitical implications and the environmental risks associated with reliance on this resource, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these challenges.