Nothing reflects the beauty of life as much as Japanese theater. It is here that reality is held suspended and emptiness can fill the mind through words, music, dance, and mysticism. A.L. Sadler translates the mysteries of Noh, Kyogen, and Kabuki in his groundbreaking book, Japanese Plays. A seminal classic, it provides a cross section of Japanese theater that gives the reader a sampler of its beauty and power.

Readers of medieval Japanese literature have long been captivated by its romance and philosophy. In this volume, two acclaimed thirteenth century classics, The Ten Foot Square Hut and Tales of the Heike, are presented in translation.The Ten Foot Square Hut offers the memorable reflections of a recluse who retired from a world filled with violent contrasts and cataclysms. Tales of the Heike describes the rise and fall of the Heike clan. Though written 700 years ago, both classics offer a timeless message.