MFAH Book Club Selections & Tours
Spring 2012: Worlds Apart
During Spring 2012, two selections focus on two civilizations that are worlds apart: ancient Egypt and post-World War II Japan. These are concise and introspective, contemplating the roles of tradition and evolution in society, and the luster and tarnish of things past.
Voices from the Other World: Ancient Egyptian Tales | Discussion Guide
The five short stories in Voices from the Other World: Ancient Egyptian Tales by Naguib Mahfouz (1911–2006), the only Egyptian writer awarded a Nobel Prize in Literature, provide glimpses of his homeland’s past. Weaving together tales of political power with magical realism and memorable characters, Mahfouz evokes the memory of an ancient world in tales that read like contemporary fiction. Book Club tours feature a wide range of works from the MFAH collections. Tours are available February 1 to May 31, 2012.
An Artist of the Floating World | Discussion Guide
In An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro (born 1956), an aging artist is caught between two manifestations of Japan: the imperial movement that led his nation into World War II, and the devastation of postwar Nagasaki. Ishiguro’s protagonist lives in a culture with strictly defined roles, and tries to reconcile “what is” with “what could be.” Book Club tours highlight works in the new MFAH Arts of Japan Gallery, and expand into other areas of the museum’s collections. Tours are available February 17 to May 31, 2012.
Summer 2012: Meditations on Tragedies and Triumphs
Both Summer 2012 selections are by British authors, yet are closely tied to the arts of Japan. The two books also share themes of melancholy, offering penetrative views of how people—men in particular—adjust in times of adversity, loss, and recovery.
An Artist of the Floating World | Discussion Guide - coming soon!
An aging artist is caught between two manifestations of Japan: the imperialist nation that led its people into World War II, and the devastated landscape of postwar Nagasaki. The story fluctuates between the shifting cultural sensibilities of the artist’s country and nostalgic memories of his career. The protagonist tries to reconcile what is with what could be in this novel of introspection about loss, duty, change, and honor.
This novel was featured as a Spring 2012 selection. However, after June 10, a new discussion guide will be available, and tours will feature works of art in the exhibition Unrivaled Splendor: The Kimiko and John Powers Collection of Japanese Art.
Tours continue through September 30, 2012.
The Hare with Amber Eyes | Discussion Guide - coming soon!
Edmund de Waal tells the true story of a collection of 264 netsuke—decorative Japanese toggles—which he inherited. Originally designed as kimono accessories, these small, beautiful objects were enthusiastically collected in Paris during the late 19th century. Among the most ardent collectors was De Waal’s ancestor, Charles Ephrussi, the scion of a fabulously wealthy banking family and a great patron of the arts. The author traces the family’s struggles during World War II, when their once-legendary wealth was reduced to a few possessions, including the prized netsuke. Learn about Paris during the late 19th century, Vienna during the early 20th century, post-World War II Japan.
Book Club tours will explore works in the MFAH collections, with an emphasis on the passion to collect.
Tours are available July 1 September 30, 2012.
For the MFAH Book Club Library, with information about past MFAH Book Club selections (including discussion guides), click here.
Taking an MFAH Book Club Tour is Easy!
MFAH Book Club tours:
♦ incorporate excerpts from the book selections, so please bring your copy of the book.
♦ are discussion-based, so be prepared to share your reactions to the book - and to the works of art.
♦ last approximately 1 hour, and camp stools are provided for seating.
♦ are free for MFAH Members and are free with general museum admission. (On Thursdays, general admission is free for everyone.)
MFAH Book Club selections may be purchased at the MFAH Shop, where MFAH Members always receive a discount. Reading copies are available in the museum’s Hirsch Library.
How to Participate
For individual readers, a small circle of friends or small book clubs:
(1) choose one of the Scheduled Tours below;
(2) please RSVP to bookclub@mfah.org noting how many people will attend which tour; and,
(3) meet in the lobby of the museum's Caroline Wiess Law Building (unless otherwise noted).
For large book clubs with more than 12 confirmed participants, please email bookclub@mfah.org to arrange a separate date and time.
Scheduled Tours
Voices from the Other World
Saturday, May 26, 1:00 p.m. (meet in Beck lobby)
An Artist of the Floating World
Thursday, May 24, 6:00 p.m. (meet in Beck lobby)
Thurs, June 14 at 6 p.m.
Sat, June 23 at 1 p.m.
Thurs, June 28 at 11 a.m.
Thurs, July 12 at 6 p.m.
Sat, July 28 at 4 p.m.
Sat, Aug 18 at 1 p.m.
Thurs, Aug 30 at 6 p.m.
Thurs, Sept 13 at 6 p.m.
Sat, Sept 22 at 11 a.m.
The Hare with Amber Eyes
Sat, July 7 at 11 a.m.
Thurs, July 19 at 6 p.m.
Thurs, Aug 9 at 11 a.m.
Sat, Aug 25 at 4 p.m.
Sat, Sept 8 at 1 p.m.
Thurs, Sept 20 at 6 p.m.