Historical Dictionary of Japanese Traditional Theatre
By (author) Samuel L. Leiter
Publication date:
30 October 2014Length of book:
814 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersISBN-13: 9781442239104
Historical Dictionary of Japanese Traditional Theatre is the only dictionary that offers detailed comprehensive coverage of the most important terms, people, and plays in the four principal traditional Japanese theatrical forms—nō, kyōgen, bunraku, and kabuki—supplemented with individual historical essays on each form.
This updated edition adds well over 200 plot summaries representing each theatrical form in addition to:
This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the Japanese theatre.
This updated edition adds well over 200 plot summaries representing each theatrical form in addition to:
- a chronology;
- introductory essay;
- appendixes;
- an extensive bibliography;
- over 1500 cross-referenced entries on important terms;
- brief biographies of the leading artists and writers;
- and plot summaries of significant plays.
This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the Japanese theatre.
The history, elements, practitioners, and major works of the four major traditional theaters of Japan (nô, kyôgen, kabuki, and bunraku) are thoroughly treated in this exceptional volume. The second edition of an invaluable resource builds upon the excellence of the first, also by the author. As one of the foremost authorities writing on Japanese theater today, Leiter has produced a fine-quality work that will serve multiple disciplines. The entries have been expanded, errors in the first edition corrected, and the chronology of traditional theaters updated, from 1301 to 2013. The volume offers more than 1,500 alphabetical entries; ample cross-references help to aid discovery by those without prior knowledge of the subject. The bibliography is comprehensive, with resources in English suitable for a range of users, from students taking their first drama course to specialists working in the discipline. The volume is readable in every sense—from the quality of writing to the size of the typeface. The writing is aimed at nonspecialists, although scholars also will find much of value here. A greater number of photos to illustrate the entries might have been welcome, but this labor of love should be a part of reference collections in all libraries. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Beginning students and above; general readers and professionals/practitioners.