Geisha

Written by anthropologist Dalby, who has the distinction of being the only Westerner to become a geisha, this book deftly synthesizes the personal experiences and interactions of the author in this most unusual role and society with the discerning eye of a scholar. Her attention to detail is superb and provides interesting tidbits of cultural trivia for the reader. The stories she tells -- about the backgrounds of her geisha friends, the mothers of the community and other figures in the hanamachi (geisha district) of Pontocho as well as geisha communities of different stripes elsewhere in Japan -- let the reader in on a very personal part of the geisha world that no other author in my opinion has truly touched, or could, really. Dalby was singularly qualified for the role as a geisha, as she could speak Japanese, play the shamisen and had the appropriate connections, and as a geisha herself (versus an interviewer who would always be external in some way), more doors were opened to her, through both internal connections (her relationship with the Pontocho mothers and her onesan) and the trust that these enigmatic women were willing to put in one of their kind. Dalby's ability to story-tell also lends a quality of magic to the analysis. Even simple stories about floating paper lanterns on the Kamo River or stopping with the three geisha mothers to watch an old-style candymaker draw the reader in with their unselfconscious charm and personal allure. Without this sort of skill, even an intelligent analysis of the subject could be very dull, but her ability to shape the smaller stories within the overall experience make for more intimate and memorable peeks into her life as a geisha, rather than a "just the facts, ma'am" approach. I have read some reviews juxtaposing this work with other more recent books on the subject of geisha, and one of the complaints other readers seem to have about this book is that it is somewhat out of date. True, it was originally written in the 1970s, after Dalby had completed her time in the geisha world. To me this indicates that this book was one of the first to address this subject in an objective manner and didn't just jump on the "Memoirs of a Geisha" bandwagon. In my opinion it is the definitive book on the subject, and given its unique perspective it is all the more valuable. If a reader read this book and no others on the subject, he or she would still be well informed about the geisha world, as well as entranced by its mystery, made somewhat less elusive by Liza Dalby's sensitive tour of the inner corridors of the hanamachi of Kyoto.

Like others I read this book after reading Memoirs of a Geisha. I found this book much more interesting because it tells real stories about real people. The history and backgound that Dalby relates as well her own personal experiences make this book one-of-a-kind and deeply interesting. A must-read for anybody interested to learn more about geisha. Although there are extensive footnotes to explain certain things more deeply, the more you already know about Japan, the more you will get out of this book.

I read Liza Dalby's book following my reading of Arthur Golden's Memoirs of a Geisha. I do wish I had read Geisha prior to reading Golden's book as I would have derived a great deal more from Golden's book. Yet, Golden's book was a wonderfully sensitive story! Liza Dalby's effort here is to portray the life a Geisha through the eyes of a cultural anthropologist. She has done this and done it well. There is authentic scholarship here. There is a special sensitivity to the demands, sorrows and joys of geisha life. The breadth of the book is superb. The photo work, the layout, the use of japanese drawings as they relate to geisha life is well done. This is a wonderful book for those truly interested in geisha life. What a marvelous gift and privilege that Liza Dalby had, as an American, to enter the world of the geisha.I recommend it to all who are truly interested in geisha life, but more than that in the status of women now and throughout history.

I was living near Tokyo in 1976, the time when Liza Dalby was a geisha, so that in itself made me drawn to read her fascinating book. My view then and up until I read "Geisha" was quite limited. Like most people, I was intrigued about the intimate details of geisha life, and Dalby's book satisfies the innate curiosity to the fullest. Like the previous reviewer, I became aware of this book after reading "Memoirs of a Geisha" by Golden. Now I want to read more on the subject. Absolutely great reads, both of them.

I first read this book in the early '90s and was so impressed that I bought multiple copies to give as gifts. Liza Dalby portrays the geisha world as a special and exotic one -- exotic by the standards of any modern culture, including that of Japan. She makes this private world accessible but avoids any tendency to sensationalize or dissect -- the geisha world is revealed with grace and subtlety. At the same time, a history of geisha culture involves the history of so much else in Japan -- various social customs, attitudes toward female sexuality, transportation, nightlife... Dalby goes there too. I am really glad _Geisha_ will be available again. Just the other day, I was bemoaning the fact that Dalby's _Geisha_ seems to be out of print. I need a copy for my library! Can't wait. -- TQ in New York