also: ぎさく
cheap literature; writing for amusement
General term for light, entertaining, or frivolous writing, often contrasted with serious literature. Can be used for modern works as well.
彼の小説は戯作に過ぎないと批判された。
His novel was criticized as being nothing more than cheap literature.
Edo-period light literature
Specifically refers to a genre of popular, often humorous or satirical, fiction that flourished in the late Edo period (late 18th to mid-19th century).
江戸時代後期の戯作には、洒落本や滑稽本などがある。
Edo-period light literature includes genres like sharebon and kokkeibon.
gesaku writer; writer of light fiction (Edo period)
being absorbed in writing popular novels (cheap fiction); being absorbed in writing something to amuse oneself
Standard kanji form; reading げさく is the most common.
Alternate reading, less common; may be encountered in older texts.
From 戯 (play, sport) + 作 (make, produce). The term originally referred to playful or unserious compositions.