In the Edo period (1603 –1868), reading books was a form of entertainment for common people. Gōkan, a form of pictorial fiction, was very popular in the mid 1800s. In this thesis, I examine and translate the gōkan narrative, Ikazuchi tarō gōaku monogatari 雷太郎強悪物語 (Bunka 3 / 1806), written by Shikitei Sanba 式亭三馬 (Anei 安永 5 / 1776 – Bunsei 5 / 1822). Part One consists of an analysis of the structure and content. I examine the reaming copies and discuss Sanba’s writing techniques, as well as the interplay between the text and illustrations. Also, I examine the depiction of yūrei (ghosts), which play an important role in Gōaku monogatari. Part Two is an annotated translation of Gōaku monogatari. My goal is for readers to be able to understand the structure, features, and fictional narrative of Gōaku monogatari and then allow them to read the work in English.