Hidden Gems
My last post full of lists inspired me to offer some non-fiction book suggestions, so here is an eclectic sample of unusual and esoteric books that I have found inspiring and useful:
Developing Zeami: The Noh Actor’s Attunement In Practice, by Shelley Fenno Quinn
Amerta Movement of Java 1986-1997. An Asian Movement Improvisation, by Lise Lavelle
A System of Caucasian Yoga, by Count Stefan Colonna Walewski
Sculpting in Time, by Andrei Tarkovsky
Ritual Is Theatre, Theatre Is Ritual; Tang-Ki: Chinese Spirit Medium Worship, by Margaret Chan
Chinese Theatre and the Actor in Performance, by Jo Riley
Genesis of a Music, by Harry Partch
The Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei, by John Stevens
The Academy of the Sword, by Gerard Thibault, translated by John Michael Greer
Zen and the Ways, by Trevor Leggett
Tropical Truth, by Caetano Veloso
And just to be a little provocative, here are some dreadful (shallow at best, deceitful at worst) books for you to be aware of. I actually DO advise reading these because they present the ‘journalistic’ or ‘folk theory’ views (common yet inaccurate views held by people with no real knowledge or experience) on such subjects as Zen, Taijiquan, martial arts and contemporary theatre practice.
Zen in the Martial Arts, by Joe Hyams
The Zen Way to Martial Arts: A Japanese Master Reveals the Secrets of the Samurai, by Taisen Deshimaru
An Acrobat of the Heart, by Stephen Wangh
The Bodhisattva Warriors, by Nagaboshi Tomio
Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain, Chungliang ‘Al’ Huang
Leave a Reply