An authoritative study of Japan's first scholarly works and a
modern classic, it is now translated into English for the first
time.
Description
The Six National Histories of Japan chronicle the history of Japan
from its origins in the 'Age of the Gods' to A.D.
887. Compiled in the imperial court during the eighth and ninth
centuries by leading scholars and officials of the day, they have
exerted a profound effect on Japanese thought for well over a
millenium. In his book, renowned historian Taro Sakamoto
interpreted modern scholarly findings, as well as presenting his own
views, thus completing the modern re-evaluation of the controversial
first history. His study is the only one to survey all six
histories, identifying common features and pointing out the special
characteristics of each. John Brownlee's translation makes
available to English readers a valuable study of the Six National
Histories which also provides insights into the methods of contemporary
Japanese historians.
Reviews
A superb translation of a meticulous exegesis of the Six National Histories, compiled as separate accounts from 681 to 901.
- M. Hane
... his book is not only a rich compendium of information about these particular texts, but a work on premodern historiography that will reward the attention of professional historians in a wide variety of fields outside Japan.
- Cornelius J. Keley
The Six National Histories of Japan is a useful addition to the growing body of English-language scholarship on early Japan. Sakamoto's detailed account of the contents and compilation process of the rikkokushi offers unique insights into the workings of the imperial government in the seventh, eighth, and ninth centuries. Brownlee's translation now makes this seminal study and reference volume available to beginning students and general readers as well as to specialists.
- Karl F. Friday