Tsukiji: The Fish Market at the Center of the World
Book by Theodore Bestor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tsukiji: The Fish Market at the Center of the World is a non-fiction book by Theodore C. Bestor, published in 2004 by University of California Press. It discusses the Tsukiji fish market.
The book includes content on the economy aspect, cultural aspects,[1] and folklore.[2]
Stephen Gudeman of Science wrote that the concept that "Tsukiji trade is embedded in the relationships, beliefs, and values of Japanese life" is the primary theme of the work.[3]
Background
Bestor worked at Harvard University, focusing on anthropology and Japanese studies, as a professor.[4]
Beginning in 1989, Bestor did on the ground research; he concluded this in 2003.[5]
Content
The book covers anthropological aspects of Tsukiji.[6]
Reception
Anne Allison of Duke University praised the book for having "clarity" in its writing and for the author's skills telling stories.[7]
Michael Ashkenazi of Bonn International Centre for Conversion praised the book for being "remarkable" and how it focuses on Tsukiji as a "social institution" rather than only food-related aspects.[8]
Ronald Dore, a resident of Castel di Casio, Italy, praised the book for being "rich" with a strong writing style and a "detached non-committal attitude".[9]
Scott Schnell of the University of Iowa gave a positive review, stating that "the reader comes away with a better appreciation for the" various aspects discussed in the book, and arguing that the "scope of its coverage" is "impressive".[2]
Richard Swedberg of Cornell University praised the book, describing it as a "monument" to Tsukiji, and arguing the fifth chapter was his favorite; Swedberg stated that Chapter 5 "deserves to be included in some future anthology on markets as social structures."[10]
