The myth of the exotic Geisha has allured the West as a cultural icon of Japan for well over a century, since Commodore Perry opened its doors to the outside world in 1854. Popularized in Western arts from Pierre Loti's Madame Chrysanthème to Giacomo Puccini's celebrated opera, Madame Butterfly, the image of the Geisha is still enshrouded in mystery.  Comparable to film stars, singers and dancers of today's pop culture, they were fashion leaders in old Japan, closely associated with the Kabuki Theater and woodblock color prints.  Lesley Downer, the British author of the much praised work, The Secret History of the Geisha:  Women of the Pleasure Quarters, has successfully unraveled the true picture of the Geisha, their art and world, with sensitivity and lucidity. Leslie Downer gave a presentation on her book and experiences in Japan where she spent a number of years doing research.

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