This volume presents translations of 14 kabuki plays written between 1804 and 1864 a period marked by extreme violence and sexual aggressiveness on stage. Descriptions of costumes and makeup are included along with stage directions, and each play is accompanied by an introduction placing the work in context. The volume is illustrated throughout with color woodblock prints of early productions as well as photographs of contemporary performances. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)