The Six National Histories of Japan chronicle the history of Japanfrom its origins in the 'Age of the Gods' to A.D.887. Compiled in the imperial court during the eighth and ninthcenturies by leading scholars and officials of the day, they haveexerted a profound effect on Japanese thought for well over amillenium. In his book, renowned historian Taro Sakamotointerpreted modern scholarly findings, as well as presenting his ownviews, thus completing the modern re-evaluation of the controversialfirst history. His study is the only one to survey all sixhistories, identifying common features and pointing out the specialcharacteristics of each. John Brownlee's translation makesavailable to English readers a valuable study of the Six NationalHistories which also provides insights into the methods of contemporaryJapanese historians.

Translated by: John S. Brownlee