Architecture and Authority in Japan (Nissan Institute/Routledge Japanese Studies)

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Japanese architecture is one of the most inspired manifestations of Japanese civilizations. Arguing that architectural styles are more than just symbols of the powers that created them, William Coaldrake explores the symbiotic relationship between architecture and authority throughout Japanese history. Coaldrake relates buildings to the political ambitions and religious beliefs of the major historical eras in Japan.
Table of Contents 1. Authority in Architecture: Container and Contained 2. The Grand Shrines of Ise and Izumo: The Appropriation of Vernacular Architecture by Early Ruling Authority 3. Great Halls of Religion and State: Architecture and the Creation of the Nara Imperial Order 4. Heian Palaces and Kamakura Temples: The Changing Countenances of Aristocratic and Warrior Power 5. Castles: The Symbol and Substance of Momoyama and Early Edo Period Authority 6. Nijo Castle and the Psychology of Architectural Intimidation 7. Tokugawa Mausolea: Intimations of Immortality and the Architecture of Posthumous Authority 8. Shogunal and Daimayo Gateways: The Intersecting Spheres of Arbitrary Will and Technical Necessity 9. Building the Meiji State: The Western Architectural Hierarchy 10. Tange Kenzo's Tokyo Monuments: New Authority and Old Architectural Ambitions 11. Beyond Vanity and Evanescence Chronology of Buildings Chapter Notes

Architecture and Authority in Japan (Nissan Institute/Routledge Japanese Studies) Review

I very much like this book. The range of examples are well selected and thought provoking. I have lived in Japan for 14 years and I have come to view Japanese architecture in a different way after reading. The author shows a real command of the subject and writes in a way that is enjoyable to read.

In addition to providing much more in-depth information of many buildings in Japan of historical importance, I find it a good travel guide to these buildings and simply enjoyable to read. I have not read cover to cover but rather read a particular section on a building depending on what is of interest at the time.

As an example, one of the subject buildings (Shofuku-ji) is a temple near my house and is the only official kokuho ("National Treasure") structure in the Tokyo area. Although a beautiful building, I was not able to appreciate why it was so recognized until I read the chapter in the book about it. The author was able to set the historical context and point out what makes it unique.

My only issues with this edition are: 1) The binding - it is of medium quality paperback construction, and 2) the quality of the photographs inside are not as good as I would expect. Given its relatively higher price, I would have expected hardcover and better quality photographs.

These reservations aside, I recommend this book.

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