In 2002 a manga (comic book) was for the first time successfully charged with the crime of obscenity in the Japanese courts. In The Art of Censorship Kirsten Cather traces how this case represents the most recent in a long line of sensational landmark obscenity trials that have dotted the history of postwar Japan. The objects of these trials range from a highbrow literary translation of Lady Chatterleyrsquo;s Lover and modern adaptations and reprintings of Edo-period pornographic literary ldquo;classicsrdquo; by authors such as Nagai Kafu to soft core and hard core pornographic films; including a collection of still photographs and the script from Oshima Nagisarsquo;s In the Realm of the Senses; as well as adult manga. At stake in each case was the establishment of a new hierarchy for law and culture; determining; in other words; to what extent the constitutional guarantee of free expression would extend to art; artist; and audience.The work draws on diverse sources; including trial transcripts and verdicts; literary and film theory; legal scholarship; and surrounding debates in artistic journals and the press. By combining a careful analysis of the legal cases with a detailed rendering of cultural; historical; and political contexts; Cather demonstrates how legal arguments are enmeshed in a broader web of cultural forces. She offers an original; interdisciplinary analysis that shows how art and law nurtured one another even as they clashed and demonstrates the dynamic relationship between culture and law; society and politics in postwar Japan.The Art of Censorship will appeal to those interested in literary and visual studies; censorship; and the recent field of affect studies. It will also find a broad readership among cultural historians of the postwar period and fans of the works and genres discussed. 13 illus.
#3632221 in eBooks 2014-05-06 2014-05-06File Name: B00K6NEPR0
Review
51 of 51 people found the following review helpful. A Thorough Treatise on StyleBy Spencer in SeattleThis is a sort of sequel to the earlier book "Patina Style;" which has long been one of our favorite coffee table books. I see "Patina Farm" as an extension and expansion of the design sensibility known now as "patina style." This new book is a sort of manifesto on the patina aesthetic; showing just how far you can take it and what happens when you orchestrate an entire built environment around the approach. What you get here is a thorough overview of the entire property; which consists of a wonderful home; surrounding gardens; and then things like a functioning dock and orchard.One thing I was surprised to find in this book; and its something I really like; is examples of actual landscape and architectural planning. While many of the pages feature such things as pristine sitting areas and carefully decorated walls; you also get some rougher pencil sketches of plans for such things as the fenced vegetable garden; a patio area; and other purposeful contours in the land. Books about interior decorating can make everything appear to almost magically take shape; as if through no work at all. This book shows some of the foundational work before hand that was essential in creating this aesthetic and the spaces that host it.With so many design books on the market; I like this one (and its predecessor) most of all because they fully indulge in a single approach and philosophy. Where other design books might represent themselves as "modern" or "DIY;" they tend to shuffle through countless approaches to coordinating colors; textiles; and other material objects. This book is an extended treatise on a single approach and style; and by reading it you find yourself thoroughly saturated in this one perspective. In the way I see it; what comes out is a perspective on not only decorating; but on actually living.12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. This is a beautiful book; full of wonderful photographs of this pretty ...By CustomerThis is a beautiful book; full of wonderful photographs of this pretty home. Interesting reading; and lots of sketches of the house to be built. I wonder as I read through it; why they chose miniature animals for pets ; but they are truly cute; and everyone probably falls in love with this whole place.9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Great book! Nice photography of a charming projectBy PaulaGreat book! Nice photography of a charming project. But what really set this work apart from many similar design books on the market are detailed yard and house plans and interior sketches with narrative and photography that nicely illustrates every area of the project and makes it easy for the reader to figure out where they are on the property.
