the volume provides essential context for the texts it aims to present. It begins with the necessary administrative notes on the publication and includes a preface where Dickins outlines the purpose of the book—making ancient Japanese literature more accessible to English readers. He discusses the texts included, such as the Manyôshiu and Taketori Monogatari, and describes the methodologies used in transliteration and interpretation. The introduction further elaborates on the grammar and phonetics of Old Japanese, allowing readers to grasp the linguistic intricacies involved in understanding these ancient works. This foundational overview sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the rich literary heritage of Japan. (This is an automatically generated summary.)