“When construction of a castle is completed, the designer and builder are destined to be killed to protect the castle's secrets. Masakiyo Nakamura, who designed Azuchi Castle with its unprecedented keep, seemed to have lived out his life by advising Nobunaga on the construction of new castles, but… (from "The Demon Gate Tower of Azuchi Castle"). This cruel historical tale depicts a series of ominous histories set in seven famous castles and ancient castles, including Osaka Castle, Kumamoto Castle, and Kasugayama Castle.” (Kinokuniya Bookstore) “Rebellion, conspiracy, massacre, bloody battles, screams, and roars—the groans of a family's annihilation can be heard from the stone walls. This work depicts the gruesome and cold-hearted acts of humans, as witnessed by history, and the vicissitudes of Japan's ancient castles, in eight castles including Nanao Castle's Hatakeyama clan, Kanazawa Castle, Fukui Castle, and Matsuyama Castle, following "Ancient Castle Stories" to unfold a cruel historical picture scroll.” Google Books This is a copy of Norio Nanjo's "Ancient Castle Stories," first published in August 1974 by Tokyo Bungeisha, with the original obi (book band). The cover design is by Kan Kazama, who also created the title art for the NHK morning drama "Ohanahan." There is some yellowing due to age, but no stains, writing, or library stamps. Please consider purchasing this item with the understanding that it is a 50-year-old used book. ※ The following works by Norio Nanjo are also for sale: Ikumatsu, a Woman Castles and Roads The Abolition of Daimyo Records The Fifteen Generations of Tokugawa Like a Dream Female Heresy