Written in the mid-thirteenth century, this book chronicles the epic Genpei war, a civil conflict that marked the end of the power of the Heike clan and changed the course of Japanese history. It depicts the emerging world of the medieval samurai.

Particular to this translation are the introduction by Haruo Shirane, the woodblock illustrations, a glossary of characters, and an extended bibliography.

Preface and Acknowledgments Introduction Book One Book Two Book Three Book Four Book Five Book Six Book Seven Book Eight Book Nine Book Ten Book Eleven Book Twelve The Initiates' Book Glossary of Characters Bibliography