Gartlan''s exploration of Raimund von Stillfried''s prolific artistic activities makes a compelling contribution to the study of Japanese visual culture [.] The work transcends traditional art-historical boundaries. Kerry Ross in Monumenta Nipponica 73:1 (2018), pp. 107-110. Luke Gartlan''s A Career of Japan is that rare book that combines erudition, style, a compelling story, impeccable research, and commitment to innovative historical and cultural studies. [.] It is also a showpiece of a beautifully produced book, with impressive reproductions [.] and a fantastic layout.
[.] Gartlan''s dense weave teaches us much about orientalism and globalization - we all need to read it and learn new ways of approaching visual culture and cultural contact. Katherine Arens in Journal of Austrian Studies , Vol. 51, No. 2, Summer 2018, pp. 91-93. "Gartlan has skilfully pieced together a substantial body of source material [.] from across Japan, Austria, the UK and Australia to craft a compelling account of Stillfried''s international adventures and misadventures.
Gartlan''s enthusiasm for his subject is infectious. [.] Given the preference of so many publishers to strip away valuable elements of scholarly publications such as appendices, glossaries, extensive endnotes and colour illustrations in the name of cutting costs and broadening the audience, books like this one have become rare gems indeed. Brill is to be heartily congratulated for valuing Gartlan''s contribution, respecting the importance of scholarly rigour and celebrating the appeal of Stillfried''s imagery.The result is a beautifully presented, lavishly illustrated and fascinating book that promises to be enjoyed by readers interested in Japanese studies, history, modernism, tourism studies and photography." Melissa Miles in Japan Forum 2017. "Long recognized as the authority on Stillfried, Gartlan has pulled together his extensive research in this thorough and engaging study. (.
) One of the many strengths of the Gartlan''s book is in how he provides interesting details, many of which were previously unknown (.) Gartlan has included relevant and previously unknown documents in the book''s appendices (.)The impressive format of the book (7.5 by 10 inches) makes it possible to have large reproductions; these are all beautifully printed in color, so one can appreciate the aesthetics of Stillfried''s hand-colored albumen prints. (.) Gartlan''s important and fascinating book will be a hard act to follow." - Eleanor M. Hight, in: Trans Asia Photography Review 6/2 (Spring 2016) "The eminent Dutch publishing-house of Brill must be commended for the look and feel of this book, printed on high-quality glossy paper and its superbly-reproduced photographs, many of which are colored, like the one described above.
The book is the first volume in a projected series entitled "Photography in Asia," and if this one is anything to go by, this reviewer is certainly looking forward to further volumes. Beautiful books are hard to find these days, and Brill should be congratulated for producing this one. [.] I''ve already said something about the production of this book; Brill has done a great service to both the author and his subject. The book is a pleasure to hold, to look at, and to read. Gartlan has rescued a great artist from comparative oblivion, and I only wish that I could do the technical aspects of this book the justice they deserve. I cannot recommend it more highly, both for the visual treats and the intellectual delights in the discussion." - John Butler, in: Asia Review of Books , 7 August 2016 [Full review] "Gartlan''s richly detailed but highly readable text covers Stillfried''s life in Europe, his minor successes abroad in the 1860s as well as his acclaimed but mixed economic success as a photographer in Yokohama.
(.) A Career of Japan is well laid out and illustrated and makes a number of rare documents accessible through appendices. (.) This publication will be a key reference work on the artist, the period and the phenomenon of 19th-20th century Japonisme in the west." - Gael Newton, in: TAASA Review 25/3"a work of great quality, printed on good paper with excellent reproductions of the photographs. Von Stillfried''s tribulations, within and outside of Japan have been researched thoroughly, as has his photography." - Herman J. Moeshart, in: Andon 102 (2016).