Elegant Spirits: Amano's Tale of Genji and Fairies

by Yoshitaka Amano (Illustrator), Camellia Nieh (Translator)

Yoshitaka Amano has visualized other worlds of wonder as the artist of the Final Fantasy game series. Now, with Elegant Spirits, our own world's ancient treasures of literature and legend are richly evoked through Amano's paintings and illustrations!Elegant Spirits first contains Amano's adaptation of The Tale of Genji, a psychological exploration of courtly love written a thousand years ago by Lady Murasaki, and often considered to be the earliest novel ever written. The second half of Elegant Spirits is Amano's Fairies, his portrayals of the many magical beings of English and Celtic lore and drama--from brownies and the Seelie Court, to Merlin and Nimue, to Shakespeare's Puck and Titania. The images of Elegant Spirits are accompanied by excerpts of text, poetry, and the stories that accompany these unforgettable figures of the past.

Genres: Art, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Japanese Literature, Japan, Mythology, Fiction

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2021

About the author

Yoshitaka Amano (Japanese: 天野 喜孝) is a celebrated Japanese visual artist, illustrator, and character designer known for his ethereal style and cross-genre influence in anime, video games, literature, and fine art. He began his career in 1967 at the age of 15 with Tatsunoko Production, where he contributed to iconic anime series such as Speed Racer, Gatchaman, and Tekkaman. In 1982, he became an independent artist, illustrating acclaimed fantasy novels including Vampire Hunter D and The Guin Saga, and later provided character and logo designs for the globally popular Final Fantasy video game franchise, which brought him international recognition.
Amano’s distinctive aesthetic combines intricate linework with vivid colors, drawing on Western comic books, Art Nouveau, Orientalist painters, and traditional Japanese ukiyo-e. He has published numerous art books and illustrated graphic novels, including The Sandman: The Dream Hunters with Neil Gaiman, which won the Bram Stoker Award.
In addition to his work in illustration and design, Amano has contributed to stage and film productions, created album art for musical artists, and exhibited paintings in galleries worldwide. In 2010, he founded Studio Devaloka to develop animated and multimedia projects, including the illustrated novel Deva Zan. With a career spanning over five decades, Amano remains one of Japan’s most influential and visionary contemporary artists.

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I'm now sure I never want to read the classic Tale of Genji (it was the middle ages and romance was not the same then, I know), Amano's illustrations remain some of the most impressive works of traditional art I know, both regarding colour schemes and just the way he draws faces, which pair with complicated, multi-layered Heian fashion just beautifully. To put it simply: I want to plaster my apartment walls with them. If only there was some analysis of each piece or behind-the-scenes-like commentary by the artist instead of... generic summaries of the scenes vaguely depicted?

***I received a digital copy from the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.***

[Lilith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork, mixed with poetry along with a short adaptation of" The tale of the Genji." The second half of the book is about different types of Fairies and mythical creatures, again with beautiful art and poetry. It's a light read and just a beautiful book altogether. If you read "The tale of the Genji" this would be a recap of Genji and his many paramours .If you have not read it, this book may peek your interest enough to read the entire story of Genji.

[Javee · Rating 5 out of 5]

son preciosas las ilustraciones del Genji y la sección de hadas es un añadido muy chulo

[Mai M Ibrahim · Rating 4 out of 5]

عرفت الفنان Amano من فيديو ع اليوتيوب ف دورت ف المكتبة العامة ع كتب ليه ولقيت ده متاح إلكتروني
عجبني اوي الرسومات تحفة وأسلوبه جميل
لقيت كتابين له ورقي وكتب تانيه ك قصص هو رسام بالتعاون مع كاتب للقصة ف هستعيرهم قريب وانزلها ع قناة عن الفن ع اليوتيوب لو حد مهتم
‏3nelfn@

[emma °❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5! The illustrations in this book were outstanding, and I found many beautiful quotes in this book. Although I will say this, FUCK GENJI.

[Annika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read through this in a little over an hour. It was my first contact with Amano, as well as with the Tale of Genji and many of the European fairies Amano illustrated as well. Paging through the beautiful illustrations, paired with poetry and prose, was a lovely introduction to both Japanese literature and fairy stories.

[a ☕︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

the combined edition of amano’s the tale of genji and fairies. the cover depicts ututsemi (genji’s lady of the locust shell) and mermaid (fairy of the sea). worth a look so long as you have some familiarity with amano’s style.

[Amanda K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork and the relatively sparse text keeps the focus on the art.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork with very minimal text.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rapturously gorgeous. Two fold-outs.

[Anxious Bibliophile Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous just a shame I was reading it on my phone. Amano deserves to be seen large.

[Nettles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on fairy tales and folk tales so there's some scandalous art but it is definitely a stunning art book. How do I absorb this talent?

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Artwork is stunning. Unsure if I trust the English writing.

[Theodora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, stunning, mesmerising. What beautiful artwork! So delicate and unique. It felt like diving into a dream.I loved it.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning

[✿ lillian ✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ønsker jeg kunne uttrykke hvor imponerende kunsten er på utsiden så mye som jeg føler det på innsiden. jenial fyr den karen