From the creation myth of Izanagi and Izanami designed to explain the origins of the island of Japan, to the hundreds of kami(gods or spirits) and monsters populating the tales, Japanese legends tell the story of the land, the nation, the people and the divine heritage of the emperors of Japan. Often bloody and fantastic, the tales are a powerful, rewarding read, gathered together in the gorgeous, deluxe hardcover binding of the Flame Tree Epic Tales series. The latest title in Flame Tree's beautiful, comprehensive series of Gothic Fantasytitles, concentrates on the ancient, epic origins of modern fantasy.