Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers
Leonard Koren

An illustrated essay on the quintessential Japanese aestethic of imperfect and impermanent beauty. "Wabi-sabi" is presented as a protypical "complete" aesthetic, nature based and "soft" in contrast to the "hard" digital aesthetics of modern computer-age design.

In Praise of Shadows
Junichiro Tanizaki

An essay on asthetics, which shows the collision between the shadows of traditional Japanese interiors and the dazzling light of the modern age. The text covers architecture, jade, food and the use of space in buildings.

Isamu Nogushi, East and West
Dore Ashton

A portray of the sculptor and designer Isamu Noguchi (1904-88). Ashton intricately delineates Noguchi's artistic quest, following the progress of his work and explaining the way he drew inspiration from countless sources - ancient and modern, American and Japanese, including Buckminster Fuller, Constantin Brancui, and William Blake; Martha Graham's dance, Noh drama, and the temples and gardens of Kyoto.

A Japanese Touch for Your Home
Koji Yagi

This book shows how to incorporate Japanese design elements into Western homes, including tatami floors, shoji screens, and even a Japanese bath.

The Soul of a Tree
George Nakashima

A master woodworker, George Nakashima, shares his experiences, techniques and devotion to wood. I bought the book for insperation to my own woodworking skills, and learnt much more than I expected.

Shaker Built, The Form and Function of Shaker Architecture
Paul Rocheleau and June Sprigg

This beautifully designed book with 250 colour illustrates the design and architectural legacy of the lost world of the Shakers.

Fallingwater
Frank LLoyd Wright

A nice little booklet about one of Frank LLoyd Wrights's most famous buildings.

The Gardens of Japan
Teiji Itoh

This book examines the origins, the history and the different types of Japanese gardens that evolved over time as well as the development of the modern garden and the materials that go into their creation. It also looks at the author's favourite gardens, both modern and ancient.

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind
Shunryu Suzuki

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind consists of talks transcribed and edited by disciples of Shunryu Suzuki. One of the best books for a westerner interested in zen buddhism to read.

Zen Bones, Zen Flesh
Paul Reps

This collection of Zen stories and Koans truly shows the flavor of zen. An excellent and enormously enjoyable collection of short tales that help illustrate the essence of Zen - often in witty ways.One of the best and most direct introductions to Zen.

Sit
Taisen Deshimaru

An enlightening account of a session held in France under the guidance of the renowned Japanese Zen Master, Taisen Deshimaru (1914-1982). This book answers pressing questions and provides vital instruction and inspiration for both beginner or long-time Zen practitioners and those using meditation as part of their spiritual path.

Freedom from the Known
J. Krishnamurti

Krishnamurti shows how people can free themselves from the tyranny of the expected, regardless of age. By first changing themselves, they then can change their relationships and society. Themes include: awareness, man's search and the tortured mind. Krishnamurti uses only known facts; facts that everyone has to accept because they come from common sense.

Questions from the City
Answers from the Forest
Ajahn Sumano

Sumano, born Jeffrey Phillips, addresses questions on subjects including monasticism, sexuality, the self, and memory. Sumano's clarity about his origins and his own limitations gives him a singular freedom as a spiritual adviser, and his replies embody patience, compassion, and good humor as well as good sense.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North
Matsuo Basho

The master Haiku poet, Basho, lived in Japan during the late 1600's. Born into a noble class, he felt his life was more fulfilled living as a simple peasant. Valued for his inability to distinguish the difference between economic barriers, he was well respected and highly sought after as a teacher.