A break from my usual reading, this was a very enjoyable and fairly intimate look into the world of Pontocho's geisha. It's a world about which there are many rumours and misunderstandings, and Dalby does a good job of sorting these things out. I especially enjoyed learning more about Japan and its culture, which has always intrigued me, and the chapter on the kimono was a pleasantly engrossing surprise (yes, I sew, and therefore should have expected to be so interested, but I digress). Most of all, though, I appreciated 'meeting' the people, mostly geisha, she lived with and learning about what life is generally like for them.

Fascinating first-hand account of an Australian woman who did participant/observer field work in Pontocho, Kyoto. She actually became a geiko (Kyoto-ben/language for geisha). Extremely detailed anthropological account of her time there in the late 70's. So, far, I am really appreciating how hard she works to show a balanced, academic viewpoint, and not devolve into overly glorifying shlock about geisha.

A surprisingly easy ready for someone's graduate work. Acting as a cultural anthropologist, Liza works through regional definitions of geisha, historical moments relevant to the profession of geisha, and some persuasive arguments for why geisha have not yet (as of 1976) died out in total.

so many books on Geisha Culture. Read this one first then proceed to watch Arthur Golden Memoir of a Geisha. Then you can stop reading about Geisha... This book can be found at secondhand book store if you are lucky.
Liza gave an extensive view of an interesting and fascinating world of being being a Geisha. Music, Poetry and the art of entertaining.
a must read.

This is a brilliant book for anyone who wants to learn about the geisha of Japan, written by someone who has first-hand experience. Liza Dalby, an anthropologist, was the first westerner to be accepted and trained as a geisha and this resulting book is her dissertation on the subject.
As it was written in the 1970s some of the information is a little bit dated but I think it stands the test of time as a great book to introduce someone to the subject.

A western woman goes to geisha school in Japan in modern times. I recommend it. I re-read Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden at the same time.

Like most other readers (I'm guessing), I'd read Memoirs of a Geisha before I ever heard of this book. I actually stumbled upon this in a used bookstore--there was a 2 for 1 sale, I figured that this looked interesting, and it came home with me as my free book. :)

I think this is best to read after Memoirs of a Geisha because then potential mismatches of culture in the fictional account won't bother you so much, but you will be intrigued to learn more.

Dalby does a great job of blending Japanese culture, personal experience, and interviews into a compelling portrait of a very intriguing class of Japanese women. It's hard to come away from the book with the same mindset you entered it with (from either a Japanese or Western perspective, if Dalby's explanation of the geisha as a somewhat mysterious phenomenon in Japan itself is true).

Clear, readable, and interesting nonfiction. :)

Read this 25 years ago while living in Japan. So interesting that a westerner was able to 'break' into the world of the Geisha. Again tradition ruled. And to think this was Lisa Dalby's thesis. She really investigated the life of a Geisha and made it so readable. This is one of those "keepers".

My personal favourite book. Although many wouldn't pick this as their favourite but I really really loved the book.arthur golden has a lively narrative way to express all a girl could feel. Not to mention he researched on the topic for 10 whole years. I would recommend this book in a second .

The only reaaon this book would receive less than 5 stars might be that it's just too esoteric for the typical reader. This is THE book for understanding geisha and what they mean to Japan. No one in the West has had the access and experience of Dalby. Traveling to Kyoto? I wouldn't miss reading this as it will enrich your experience tremendously. Btw, don't look for a Western equivalent. Read the forward so you understand!

Dry. Didn’t finish.

This was an excellent read! Far from dry and stuffy, Dalby has managed to convey the world of the Geisha in an entertaining and personal way. Her integration into the world also allowed a more in depth analysis - more than if she had simply been an outside observer. It is a shame that this profession is linked to the seedier side of paid companionship and entertainment, as there is true art and an acknowledgement of nature and ritual, central to life within even modern Japan.