In 1965, Kobayashi began serializing "Motoori Norinaga" in the June issue of "Shincho," and continued writing it for a remarkable 11 years. He was already 74 years old at the time, and three years later, he serialized "Motoori Norinaga Hoki," writing until he was 78. "If you abandon yourself and study, your own way of life will naturally emerge. The Tale of Genji, the Kojiki... Throughout his life, Norinaga, a great scholar, explored the Japanese way of life through dialogue with the classics, a tumultuous mind." Google Books This is a set of two books with obi (wraparound bands): Hideo Kobayashi's "Motoori Norinaga," published by Shinchosha, 28th printing, March 1991, and "Motoori Norinaga Hoki," 12th printing, January 1993. The covers are cloth-bound, and the cover illustrations are by the prominent Japanese painter, Togyu Okumura. Both the slipcases and the books themselves show very little yellowing due to age, and there are no stains, marks, or traces of sticker removal. "Motoori Norinaga" originally had a protective paper wrapper, but it has been removed for photography. Please understand that these are used books before considering a purchase.