The Nightless City: Geisha and Courtesan Life in Old Tokyo Paperback – September 19, 2007

Holds your interest. I would recommend it.

This was written in 1912, and seems to be more interested in presenting the Yoshiwara as exotic, barbaric, decadent (in the old-fashioned sense of the word) and passe than actually conveying the truth. Despite being hellbent on an Victorian agenda, it does a surprising job of being accurate (some wobbles.) Most western works focus on Geisha, so it's very interesting to read about the Tayu and Oiran as the subjects of a work as opposed to seeing them regulated to the sidelines.What was most interesting to me, however, is the letters in the last chapter of the book. It so clearly mimics the conversation that the USA is having about legalized vice. We could learn a lot from the politics of 100 years ago.

Published in 1899 The Nightless City is a priceless historical document of a study of the Yoshiwara Yukwaku, Tokoyo's infamous red-light district. 386 pages about traditions, folklore, costumes, erotic practices, price lists, menus, legal documents, laws, hair styles and much, much, more. Looked at as a necessary evil, the district lasted till 1957, when its end was mourned across the world. I am not joking. I mourn its loss as I type. A dumping ground for surplus daughters, a place of slavery and refinement, of sin and beauty, where pleasure was but a business and an art. Any anybody interested in Japanese history, or just the history of sin, should pick up this book.

This reads more like a doctoral dissertation than an easy to digest historical account. The reader is bombarded with nonstop information and statistics, in such minute detail, that it's almost impossible to process.The book does, however, contain some excellent photos and artwork to give the reader a glimpse into the inner workings of the entertainment districts. But, sadly, they were the book's only redeeming qualities.

Amazing how far back Japan's History on courtesan life goes. I had no idea it is so old, meaning it goes back quite a few centuries. A lot of detail goes into this publication, and if you can sort out the Japanese names for the different provinces and titles, it makes for very interesting History. It seems at times Rules and Regulations were very strict and exact back then, but fact remains, it was not a reputable time in Japanese History, or so it turned out.

Not exactly what I was looking for. While there is doubtless much correct material in it, it's written in the "ripping yarn" flavor of so many books by 19th century gentlemen adventurers. One has to wonder how much the author observed himself, and how much was told to him by locals who could see the gaijin wanted to be titillated. There are better documented and much better organised books on this topic available.

I adore this book. It is a delightful history of Japanese courtesan culture (possibly the most glamorous time & place in history) and that makes this novel a truly rare find. The emotional depth was stunning, as were pictures and photographs. It was written around the turn of the century, and definitely reads that way. There were also a lot of Japanese words used regularly. I like glimpses into history, as well as other languages. If that's not something that really interests you, I wouldn't consider this book.

Very disappointed. Too much detail to logistics and numbers. Not a lot of info on the history of the Geishas. Evasive information and I stopped readingafter 50 pages.

Great detail on minimally interesting topics.