Historical Dictionary: Japanese Traditional Theatre

Historical Dictionary of Japanese Traditional Theatre is a comprehensive English-language reference work by Samuel L. Leiter. This digital PDF download provides instant download access to a major reference source on Japanese traditional theatre.

The book covers nô, kyôgen, bunraku, and kabuki through hundreds of alphabetically arranged entries, cross-references, introductory material, and supporting reference sections.

Book Overview

Samuel L. Leiter’s Historical Dictionary of Japanese Traditional Theatre examines the four principal traditional or classical genres of Japanese theatre: nô, kyôgen, bunraku, and kabuki.

Its entries address nearly every major aspect of these theatrical traditions, including actors, theatres, companies, history, makeup, costumes, masks, biographies, theories, training, music, religion, criticism, playwrights, plays, and movements. A general introduction provides brief histories of the four genres.

The reference structure also includes a chronology, translated play titles, a simplified table of Japanese historical periods, a glossary, an extensive bibliography, and abundant cross-references.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• Reference entries on nô, kyôgen, bunraku, and kabuki.
• Information on actors, playwrights, theatres, companies, plays, and movements.
• Coverage of makeup, costumes, masks, music, training, religion, theories, and criticism.
• A general introduction with brief histories of the four principal genres.
• A chronology and a simplified table of Japanese historical periods.
• An appendix translating play titles and a glossary of additional terms.
• An extensive bibliography of English-language books, articles, and websites on Japanese theatre.

Why This Book Matters

This volume brings a broad range of Japanese traditional theatre terminology, people, institutions, practices, and history into one alphabetical reference work.

Its organized entries and supporting bibliography make it useful for readers seeking a focused reference on Japanese theatre history and criticism, including students, researchers, and general readers of the performing arts.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download, not a physical book. No physical shipping is required, and access is available after purchase.

The PDF works with appropriate Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and compatible reading apps. Device features may vary by application.

FAQ

When can I access the book?
Access is available after purchase through an instant digital download.

Will I receive a physical copy?
No. This product is a digital PDF download, with no physical shipping.

What devices support the file?
The PDF can be opened with appropriate Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and reading apps.

Download Historical Dictionary of Japanese Traditional Theatre for a structured reference to Japan’s traditional performing arts.