The Kojiki: Records of Ancient Matters (Tuttle Classics) Paperback – Import, 15 September 2005

Arrived promptly, good stuff

Some passages are in latin even in the middle of an English sentence and it has clearly no purpose. This book needs to be reedited.

I am aware that it is not perfect. As for the complaints which I have seen: First It is indeed annoying that the pornographic material is in Latin. But with my meagre junior highschool Latin, plus some French, it is not hard to get a rough idea. Secondly, yes, the extensive footnotes do not interest everyone. But if you don't like them, then don't read them. As for myself they are a valuable aid to early Japanese language, history and culture. The tension between Chamberlain and Motowori (Motoori) and its reflection of the tension between what one might call (a little inaccurately) right and left wing interpretations of history and classic literature, are fascinating. I am also impressed by the fact that although Chamberlain was an opponent of Motowori, he treats his scholarship with high respect. Third, I am what you might call a moderately advanced beginner in learning Japanese. I find kanji (Chinese or Chinese style symbols in Japanese) extremely interesting. Chamberlain's comments on early use of Kanji in Japan, including how they were used phoentically before the development of kana (Japanese phonetic alphabets) are very instructive. Thirdly, Chamberlain, along with Aston and Satow, was a pioneer in Japanese scholarship written in English. He whets one's appetite for more knowledge about those times. Finally, not being able to read Japanese well enough to get along without a translation, and knowing no other translations, I cannot judge the accuracy of the content. I do plan to get Philippi's translation when I feel I can afford it. I have looked over his translation in a library, however. One of the reviews on this site criticizes Chamberlain for his translations of names. Well, at least he makes a try. Philippi just transliterates without translating. Chamberlain, moreover, gives us and explains plenty (although not enough) Kanji, helping us get an idea of the early use of Kanji in Japan. I did not find this in Philippi.I noticed one review which complained about the printing, etc. of the edition which the reviewer received. I also received a bad edition when I first ordered it. I complained and Amazon kindly gave me a credit. I then bought the Tuttle edition, also through Amazon, and it is just fine. -- Frank Leavitt (Yeruham)

I had to go back and forth between the annotations and the text, several times. But it doesn't 'matter' if you're interested in Japanese folklore.

excellent quality, arrived on time and reasonably priced