Japan's most famous war tale about the fall of the Taira (Heike) clan and the victory of the Minamoto (Genji) during the end of the 12th century, marking a violent end to the largely peaceful Heian period. Also known as the Heike Monagatari, this military epic was compiled from several oral sources and finally transcribed in the 14th century.  (JPN75, $29.95)