Gikeiki 義經記 [義経記]

Author/compiler: Unknown. Imprint: [Kyōto] , Yoshinoya Sōbē, Kanbun 10, 1670. Kanki on fol. 18b of maki 8 reads; 寛文拾庚戌初夏 ／ 吉野屋惣兵衛板. Description: 1 kan (of 8), maki 5. ff. 36. 26.9 x 18.4 cm. Original paper covers lacking, hence no gedai. Title from naidai. In a modern buckram binding. Edition: The 9th of 13 blockprinted editions published between 1633 and 1708. These were preceded by several movable type editions. According to Tokugawa jidai shuppansha shuppanbutsu shūran 徳川時代出版者出版物集覽, vol. 1, p. 185, this edition of Kanbun 10 (1670) was published by Nishimura Matazaemon 西村又左衞門 of Kyōto. It is possible that the blocks were taken over by Yoshinoya from Nishimura, or vice-versa, for a later printing. Contents: A popular account of the life and exploits of Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-89), drawn from tales and legends which developed during the centuries following Yoshitsune's death. Classed as a gunki monogatari (war tale). Gikeiki dwells more on the personal life and deeds of Yoshitsune, especially those involving the warrior-monk Benkei, than on his public career as a historical figure. Written by an unknown author c. 1400-50.

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Acquired at Glendining's sale, London, 22 March 1956.

Kenneth Gardner, Descriptive Catalogue of Japanese books in the British Library printed before 1700 (London and Tenri, 1993). C. Japanese works 和書 5. Literature - fiction 国文-小説 d. Gunki monogatari 軍記物語

Nihon koten bungaku daijiten 日本古典文学大辞典, vol. 2, pp. 118-20; Yoshitsune densetsu to bungaku 義経伝説と文学, pp. 635-7.