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The most famous work of Japanese literature and the world's first novel—written a thousand years ago and one of the enduring classics of world literature.
Written centuries before the time of Shakespeare and even Chaucer, The Tale of Genji marks the birth of the novel—and after more than a millennium, this seminal work continues to enchant readers throughout the world. Lady Murasaki Shikibu and her tale's hero, Prince Genji, have had an unmatched influence on Japanese culture. Prince Genji manifests what was to become an image of the ideal Heian era courtier; gentle and passionate. Genji is also a master poet, dancer, musician and painter. The Tale of Genji follows Prince Genji through his many loves, and varied passions. This book has influenced not only generations of courtiers and samurai of the distant past, but artists and painters even in modern times—episodes in the tale have been incorporated into the design of kimonos and handicrafts, and the four-line poems called waka which dance throughout this work have earned it a place as a classic text in the study of poetry.
This version by Kencho Suematsu was the first-ever translation in English. Condensed, it's a quarter length of the unabridged text, making it perfect for readers with limited time.
"Not speaking is the wiser part,
And words are sometimes vain,
But to completely close the heart
In silence, gives me pain.
—Prince Genji, in The Tale of Genji
About the Author: Lady Murasaki Shikibu, born in 978, was a member of the famed Fujiwara clan-one of the most influential families of the Heian period. After the death of her husband, Shikibu immersed herself in Buddhism, and the religion's influence permeates her writing.
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Previews available in: English Chinese Russian
Subjects
Classic Literature, Concordances, Fiction, Illustrations, Japanese fiction, Literature, Social life and customs, Princes, Aristocracy (Social class), Manners and customs, Aristocracy (Political science), Man-woman relationships, Translations into English, Japanese literature, LITERATURA JAPONESA, Near and far eastern fiction (fictional works by one author), Japan, fiction, Fiction, general, Fiction, history and criticism, Fiction, historical, Fiction, historical, general, LITERARY CRITICISM, Asian, Japanese, Medieval, General, Romance, Court and courtiers, Courts and courtiers, Japan -- FictionPlaces
JapanTimes
Heian period, 794-1185, To 1600Showing 11 featured editions. View all 121 editions?
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Yuan shi wu yu
2000, Hong fan shu dian you xian gong si, HongFan
in Chinese
- Chu ban
9576742005 9789576742002
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The tale of Genji
1993, Modern Library, Brand: Modern Library
in English
- 1993 Modern Library ed.
0679424679 9780679424673
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Povestʹ o Gėndzi =: Gėndzi monogatari : v 4-kh knigakh
1991, "Nauka," Glav. red. vostochnoĭ lit-ry
in Russian
5020168750 9785020168756
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- Created October 20, 2008
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August 25, 2010 | Edited by WorkBot | merge works |
December 15, 2009 | Edited by WorkBot | link works |
October 20, 2008 | Created by ImportBot | Imported from University of Toronto MARC record |