Hokusai Hardcover – October 1, 2010

I purchased this book as a Christmas present for my wife who has a love for Japanese prints. It definitely hit the mark as her favorite gift. (Sorry, kids!)I would echo Mr Zetler's review in every way. The richness of presentation of Hokusai's works is almost organic. One is drawn into the pages. Even the smell of the volume is delicious.The copy of the book which we received was perfect, and it had no registration faults. It may be that Mr Fallat's copy had a defect that was unique to it. However, I would suggest that a purchaser inspect a newly-received copy to make sure it is perfect.The wider, oversized prints are, indeed, split in the center in order to present the full work for enjoyment. At first I was turned off by this, but my wife felt that this does not detract from the print. I would have preferred those prints to be presented on a page which could be unfolded for viewing, but my bride felt that the constant unfolding and folding of the pages would eventuate in their being torn. She knows better than I. I do feel that a choice was made by Prestel, and this book is so beautiful that I believe they decided correctly.This is an expensive book, but its quality is so high that it is a bargain.

My favorite book of the year. I even bought a large magnifying glass with a light to help me enjoy every detail, not that it’s needed, just that it helped me take it all in. I’ve spent half an hour to an hour daily the last three weeks learning from the erudite writing and savoring the master’s images. Thank you, Prestel! My life is richer for this book, itself something akin to a masterpiece.

I purchased this book as a 50th birthday present for my partner... he loved it, I love it, and many people who have flicked through it love it, its production value is fabulous in that it tries to reproduce the images as closely as possible to how they would look in real life by making sure ink and paper replicate it as far as is possible. Also it is beautifully bound. Its extremely good value was an added bonus. I would highly recommend this book.

his book is Wonderful ! Everything I adore about Japanese prints is in this book. If you want a book to learn to draw these prints and try your own hand at how good you can become.. This is THE book to have. Hokusai (U is silent) is the way to go for me. I only wish I had known about this book before I spent time and money collecting a dozen others. It's all here for me. It's a paperback and opens perfectly so as to allow you to trace and learn.

It is a good reference, a great collection of Hokusai's block prints, paintings, and drawings with detailed explications on each one. I particularly like the oversize pages that allow for larger prints and greater details. The colors are fresh and clear, and the paintings don't lose the light transparency between ink and washes. This book is a labor of love. You will very soon forget the cost. I have.

Gorgeous larger than life reproductions of Hokusai's work and incredibly scholarship make this book a treasure. The exceptionally large format is a bit unweildy, but allows for reproductions of prints in great detail, and more than compensate for the cumbersome size.

This collection of Hokusai's life's work provided the introduction I desired; however, there is a major error in production of full page plate 136 resulting in a page protruding, on a diagonal, one inch outside the book's cover.

Beautiful art, quality paper and binding.

Those who think Hokusai's wave is the best picture ever may be surprised to learn that it was one of the last things he painted, when over 70. That, and much more information can be found in this excellent book, but don't stop at the facts, for the book contains a thorough collection of his finest works. A multi-course gourmet menu of a meal is this book, worth every penny, especially if you get it at 40% off thru amazon. One hesitates before exhibiting the current cliche for everything that is quite nice to look at, i.e. stunning, but it almost is.CH

Expensive on the face of it but when you see and feel the book it is quality. The paintings are reproduced very well, the paper is double sided so that there is no chance of seeing the printing on the reverse and the spine is fastened only to the back cover for longevity and ease of use.

Ce livre est excellent, que ce soient les textes ou bien les illustrations / reproductions. L'emballage est arrivé en très mauvais état et il y avait un léger écrasement d'environ 5mm sur une largeur d'environ 5cm du carton de la couverture sur la tranche inférieure du livre. Le délai de livraison est bon. Le seul petit problème est que je n'ai pas remarqué à la commande qu'il s'agissait d'une édition anglaise. C'est bien sûr de ma faute mais il n'y avait certainement pas évidence.

The description does not prepare you for the impact of the scale of this book. The illustrations benefit from the size and quality of the pages. It is magnificent. But do register the size before purchase!.

Einen für meinen Geschmack ein echt guter Künstler. Habe vor einigen Jahren eine Ausstellung in Berlin gesehen und war begeistert, daher habe ich mir noch einmal dieses Buch gekauft.