The Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters

  • Michael Pye Universität Marburg Fachbereich Gesellschaftswissenschaften und Philosophie Institut für Vergleichende Kulturforschung FG Religionswissenschaft
Keywords: Kojiki, Japan, Übersetzung, Translation

Abstract

It was an excellent idea to attempt a more accessible translation of the Kojiki, Japan’s oldest published chronicle, especially as this has enjoyed a revival of interest among the Japanese public in recent years. What for many years has been the standard English translation, and in many respects still is, was that by Donald Philippi (University of Tokyo Press 1968), which was indeed somewhat formidable. Gustav Heldt has taken quite different policy decisions over his translation, and these are what will be considered in this brief review. Any questions of fundamental accuracy will have to be left to other reviewers with competence in ancient Japanese.

Author Biography

Michael Pye, Universität Marburg Fachbereich Gesellschaftswissenschaften und Philosophie Institut für Vergleichende Kulturforschung FG Religionswissenschaft
Professor (em.) of the Study of Religions, University of Marburg
Research Associate in Buddhist Studies, Otani University, Kyoto
Published
2016-06-02
Section
Reviews