The Kojiki : records of ancient matters

The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) stands as one of the greatest monuments of Japanese literature, because it preserves more faithfully than any other book the mythology, manners, language, and traditions of Japan. Written by imperial command in the 8th century, this national history as Japan's oldest connected literary work, and the fundamental scripture of Shinto. It provides, furthermore, a vivid account of a nation in the making.