The ultimate research tool for the study of Japanese prints, this publication represents eight years of research by the author William Green. It lists over 6000 publications dating from 1822 to 1993, concentrating on those in English. In addition, the inclusion of newspaper and periodical reviews of the most important books and catalogs enables the academic debate concerning Japanese prints to be followed. This book is divided along thematic lines into 15 chapters and also contains three indexes, making it an easy-to-use reference work for students, scholars and collectors alike.

Once slighted as mere copying from China, the arts of Japan are now seen as a unique alternation of advances and withdrawals. At times the islanders produced Chinese-style works of great beauty, unmatched on the continent. When they chose to be independent, their art differs at every level. Sculpture, and even more painting, are concrete, sensuous, and emotional, speaking directly to all.