Shuichi Kato's two-volume history of Japanese literature is impressive for its critical and comparative grasp as well as for its historical scholarship. It is also a unique contribution to the subject insofar as it incorporates the vast spread of kambun (classic Chinese) literature written by Japanese authors. By moving beyond the discussion of literary forms and style into the social background which has shaped the works, Professor Kato provides the first real history of Japanese literature in its context; in fact, given the importance of literature in Japanese cultural history in general, Professor Kato's work could equally be viewed as a study of Japan's intellectual history through literature.