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PublishedTuttle Publishing, November 2025 |
ISBN9784805319017 |
FormatHardcover, 224 pages |
Dimensions25.4cm × 19.1cm × 2.8cm |
Journey through Japan's illustrated history and discover the roots of manga before it took the world by storm.
In this compelling survey, art historian Andreas Marks traces the development of Japanese illustrated books in premodern times. As early as the 17th century, Japanese publishers were producing thousands of illustrated titles on subjects ranging from religion and poetry to celebrated beauties, famous kabuki actors, farting warriors, and adventure tales. This flourishing book culture laid the foundation for the vibrant manga and comics industry of today.
Marks explores this evolution through five key works, including:
Kitagawa Utamaro's Picture Book of Crawling Creatures (1788) a beautifully illustrated collection of plants and animals paired with poetry
Hokusai's Sketchbooks (early 1800s) featuring hundreds of innovative drawing and design ideas by Katsushika Hokusai, whose work influenced many renowned European artists
The New Illustrated Water Margin Hokusai's adaptation of a Chinese novel about a band of fictional heroes with superpowers, offering a bold reimagining of the story
The Tale of Shiranui (1849 - 1910) an adventure novel serialised over six decades
The early-20th-century Current Affairs Manga the first periodical to use the word 'manga' in its title, providing illustrated commentary on contemporary political events
Japan's Manga Revolution offers the first comprehensive overview of Japan's rich tradition of illustrated storytelling and its lasting impact on visual culture worldwide.
