13 Books

Leonard Koren
Stone Bridge Press (2001)
ISBN 1880656590
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (7/06)

“13 Books” is not a book to be read lightly, it is a book where Leonard Koren explains the process that took place when he created his 12 books and a magazine. Koren is not only an author but an architect and artist.  Several of his creations are: WET: The magazine of Gourmet Bathing; Wabi-Sabi; New Fashion Japan; The Graphic Design Cookbook; and, How to Take a Japanese Bath.  Anyone familiar with Koren’s work would find this book very enlightening.

Koren’s format of writing this book is very different from anything I’ve seen before.  He splits his page horizontally.  For example, when explaining the inspiration for “17 Beautiful Men Taking a Shower” Koren , on the top portion of the pages,  explains the subject matter, his inspiration, organizing principle and greatest difficulty.  On the bottom portion of the pages he explains terminology such as: seventeen, art galleries, bathing.
I must say, this is a very creative way of writing, however, why would anyone be surprised coming from an eclectic artist as Koren.

Looking for an eclectic, yet very informative, read?  This is it.  You will come out by the end of the book much wiser, as well as have many thoughts evoked of your own personal experiences.

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