The No Plays of Japan

Arthur Waley (1889-1966) was an influential English orientalist and sinologist who brought countless Eastern texts to English audiences. Associated with the Bloomsbury group, Waley came to prominence with the help of modernist poet Ezra Pound, who helped him find readership in influential literary magazines. In this groundbreaking collection of translations, Waley gives us his skilled renderings of «The N? Plays of Japan.» A traditional form of Japanese theater, N? drama has origins in the 14th century. With its particular strictures of style and content, N? drama is recognizable for is simplistic beauty, use of gesture, and masked actors. The subject matter of the plays is broad—often times combining the physical with the spiritual, the dramas tend to be imbued with a striking philosophical and spiritual atmosphere. Waley includes an insightful introduction into the art form prior to his thoughtful verse/prose translations of the plays. This collection is a perfect text for curious minds and scholars alike.