Hokusai, First Manga Master Paperback – June 1, 2007

I knew Hokusai through his brilliant 100 Views of Mount Fuji, and had always held him in the highest esteem as a graphic artist. After reviewing this amazing book, about which I had no previous knowledge, I felt I had a completely new perspective on this powerfully creative and imaginative artist. He needed his manga, his creative output needed a free frontier to move in, beyond his orbits around Mount Fuji. And this is a wild outpouring of ideas unrestrained by narrative. Most are study sheets, little sketches of figures-- animals, structures, clouds, mountains, all composed with perfect grace. The quality of the work is so high, it reminds me of the sketchbooks of Leonardo. This is 'man in the midst of his own chaos', manga at its most supreme. Why not look at the very best? And, publishers, why not honor the man with a more durable book? The book falls apart. This is a book that would reward daily study, but unfortunately, not survive it.

Beautiful- even with little to no content- just art after art after art.

This is a collection of excellent artwork from the Hokusai. The selection and production are top notch.I probably would have given this five stars if I hadn't seen the James A. Michener "Hokusai Sketchbooks" in person. The Michener has stronger lines, a few more images, improved text, and fantastic paper. Since it's out of print, and costs three times the price even in used condition, it's not a very fair comparison.Find a copy of the Michener through your local library and keep this one at home. It is a beautiful set of sketches. Inspirational.

I recommend this book to any artist/student looking for a masters work to study and learn from. Hokusai's work is diverse and spectacular. I bought the book to study his printmaking as I am now in a printmaking class and desired perspective on woodblock printing. His work has inspired me to no end!

This is a terrific collection of some of the best of Hokusai's manga from his prodigious production. Nicely produced, the book contains brief introductions to each section, which are divided by subject matter. I only wish some enterprising publisher would publish the entire 15 or so volumes in an English edition.

This a great collection of Hokusai works. It is what it is-- a black and white reproduction of his pieces related to monsters and other themes. There is not much text from the editor. Most of the pieces aren't commonly found on Google, so you would not easily be able to "google" all the pictures included.

Really Really nice book of his early manga.. physically easy to handle..

great book to have. printed on nice heavy paper. it will make a nice addition to my collection of art book