"This study of the Japanese imperial court in the early thirteenth century focuses on the compilation of one of Japan's most important poetry collections, Shinkokinshu. Using personal diaries, court records, poetry texts, and literary treatises, the author reconstructs the process by which Retired Emperor Go-Toba brought together contending factions to produce this collection and laid the groundwork for his later attempt at imperial restoration.

The work analyzes poetic activities and texts and provides a comprehensive look at the unfolding of these activities. It also reveals the way in which the poetic discourse of the Imperial court animated both other kinds of writing and other activities. Finally, it underscores the inextricable ties between the writing of poetry and court politics."--BOOK JACKET.