With a presentation that divides the book into two equal parts, A Tale of Two Balconies investigates the elements that make each of these artworks-both in the collection of the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution-unique. Exploring the depicted locations of each (in Edo Japan and Victorian England) enables deeper insight as the authors examine the idea of the balcony itself as a construct at once both private and public - creating a view and juxtaposing the different cultural domains both within and beyond the balcony railing.

This stunning book is double-fronted, so readers can begin reading from either side. A carefully-designed centre section encourages readers to engage with the themes of perspective and recollection through their own art-making activities - collage, drawing and colouring, even building a pop-out Hokusai diorama and Victorian Whistler toy theatre.

Also features works from Tate, National Portrait Gallery, London, The Hunterian, University of Glasgow, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth, National Galleries of Scotland, Victoria and Albert Museum, London.