Chikamatsu

The latest collected works of Japan's most famous playwright, Chikamatsu Monzaemon (1653-1725), runs to 17 volumes. Not quite so ambitious, C. Andrew Gerstle (Japanese studies, U. of London) chose five, translating from modern editions and drawing on annotations there to explain some of the allusions. He provides a long general introduction, introductions to each play, notes, and a glossary showing the Japanese original of his translated words. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)