Jacket for 'Geisha: The Secret History of a Vanishing World'

Publishers

UK - Headline
US - Random House
Germany - Random House Germany
Netherlands - De Bezige Bij
Italy - Edizioni Piemme SpA
Spain - Editorial Diana
Sweden - Forum Bokforlag
Czech Republic - BB Art
Romania - Editura Vivaldi
Turkey - Bilesim

Geisha: The Secret History of a Vanishing World

By Lesley Downer

Published Jan 2010

Ever since Westerners arrived in Japan, they have been intrigued by Japanese womanhood and, in particular, geisha. Contrary to popular opinion, geisha are not prostitutes but, literally, ‘arts people’. Their accomplishments might include singing, dancing or playing a musical instrument but, above all, they are masters of the art of conversation, soothing the worries of the highly paid businessmen who can afford their attentions with extreme skill and patience.

The real, hidden history of the geisha in Japan is here for the first time fully and brilliantly explored by an award-winning writer.