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kasmolenaar 's review for:
Wabi-Sabi: Further Thoughts
by Leonard Koren
A continuation of his previous book on the matter, Leonard Koren now offers some background on the history of the concept. One wishes Koren would stick to historical information and further academic or artistic information on the topic, rather than offering his own thoughts, which are often not explicitly founded in Japanese Zen Buddhist theory or wabi-cha practice.
Through some of the footnotes, it becomes clear that Koren has an overview of fundamental sources and debates. At other times, his speculations come across as baseless or appropriative in nature. With the first book serving as a broad introduction, which he at points admits has to be flawed in nature, there can be some leniency towards academic rigorousness. However, with these 'further thoughts', his interpretations, applications and judgements ask for more prudent writing.
Perhaps I am misjudging the author, but he does not offer enough sources and overview of debates to convince me of most of his interpretations or speculations. Although beautifully designed, one can stick with the first book.
Through some of the footnotes, it becomes clear that Koren has an overview of fundamental sources and debates. At other times, his speculations come across as baseless or appropriative in nature. With the first book serving as a broad introduction, which he at points admits has to be flawed in nature, there can be some leniency towards academic rigorousness. However, with these 'further thoughts', his interpretations, applications and judgements ask for more prudent writing.
Perhaps I am misjudging the author, but he does not offer enough sources and overview of debates to convince me of most of his interpretations or speculations. Although beautifully designed, one can stick with the first book.