The Nihongi: Part I, II, III & IV (Forgotten Books)

The Nihon Shoki, sometimes translated as The Chronicles of Japan, is the second oldest book of classical Japanese history. It is more elaborate and detailed than the Kojiki, the oldest, and has proven to be an important tool for historians and archaeologists as it includes the most complete extant historical record of ancient Japan. The Nihon Shoki was finished in 720 under the editorial supervision of Prince Toneri and with the assistance of Ono Yasumaro. The book is also called The Nihongi.

Like the Kojiki, the Nihon Shoki begins with a series of myths, but continues its account through to events of the 8th century. It is believed to record accurately the latter reigns of Emperor Tenji, Emperor Temmu, and Empress Jito. the Nihon shoki focuses on the merits of the virtuous rulers as well as the errors of the bad rulers. It describes episodes from mythological eras and diplomatic contacts with other countries. The Nihon Shoki was written in classical Chinese, as was common for official documents at that time. The Kojiki, on the other hand, is written in a combination of Chinese and phonetic transcription of Japanese (primarily for names and songs). The Nihonshoki also contains numerous transliteration notes telling the reader how words were pronounced in Japanese. (Quote from wikipedia.org)

About the Author

Basil Hall Chamberlain (1850 - 1935)
Basil Hall Chamberlain (18 October 1850 - 15 February 1935), was a professor of Tokyo Imperial University and one of the foremost British Japanologists active in Japan during the late 19th century. (Others included E. M. Satow and W. G. Aston.) He also wrote some of the earliest translations of haiku into English. He is perhaps best remembered for his informal and popular one-volume encyclopedia Things Japanese, which first ap