This book is a fantastically interesting introduction to shunga (erotic ukiyoe) and mitate (japanese erotic prints made on the theme of a poem). Monta Hayakawa's writing is very fluent and dynamic, describing the different levels of understanding that are attached to each shunga, and thus uncovering the rather playful and intellectual meaning beneath each of these erotic images.
If you like Harunobu Suzuki, this is a must-read.
If you are interested in shunga, this is a must-read.
If you are interested in Japanese art in general, this is also a must-read! ( )