Genji monogatari - Murasaki Shikibu (1900)

Consult nearby libraries Buy this book 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 around the world. Lady Murasaki Shikibu and the hero of her tale, Prince Genji, have had an unparalleled influence on Japanese culture. Prince Genji manifests what would become an image of the ideal courtier of the Heian era; 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 from the distant past, but also artists and painters even in modern times: episodes from the tale have been incorporated into the design of kimonos and crafts, and the four-verse poems called waka that 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 English translation. Condensed, it takes up a quarter of the full text, making it perfect for readers with limited time. "Not speaking is the wisest part, And words are sometimes vain, But close your heart completely. In silence, it gives me pain. —Prince Genji, in The Tale of Genji About the author: Lady Murasaki Shikibu, born in 978, was a member of the famous Fujiwara clan, one of the most influential families of the Heian period. After her husband's death, Shikibu immersed herself in Buddhism and the religion's influence permeates her writings. Consult nearby libraries Buy this book Previews available in: English Chinese Russian Subjects Classical literature, Concordances, Fiction, Illustrations, Japanese fiction, Literature, Social life and customs, Princes, Aristocracy (Social class), Manners and customs, Aristocracy (Political science), Man-woman relations, fiction, English translations, JAPANESE LITERATURE, Near and Far Eastern fiction (fictional works by a single author), Japan, fiction, General fiction, Fiction, history and criticism, Historical fiction, Historical fiction, general, CRITICAL LITERARY, Asian, Japanese, Medieval, General, Romance, Courts and courtiers, fiction, Genji monogatari (Murasaki Shikibu)Places Japan Times Heian Period, 794-1185, to 1600. Showing 10 featured editions. See all 121 editions?

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 around the world. Lady Murasaki Shikibu and the hero of her tale, Prince Genji, have had an unparalleled influence on Japanese culture. Prince Genji manifests what would become an image of the ideal courtier of the Heian era; 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 from the distant past, but also artists and painters even in modern times: episodes from the tale have been incorporated into the design of kimonos and crafts, and the four-verse poems called waka that 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 English translation. Condensed, it takes up a quarter of the full text, making it perfect for readers with limited time.

"Not speaking is the wisest part,

And words are sometimes vain,

But close your heart completely.

In silence, it gives me pain.

—Prince Genji, in The Tale of Genji

About the author: Lady Murasaki Shikibu, born in 978, was a member of the famous Fujiwara clan, one of the most influential families of the Heian period. After her husband's death, Shikibu immersed herself in Buddhism and the religion's influence permeates her writings.

Previews available in: English Chinese Russian

Subjects

Classical literature, Concordances, Fiction, Illustrations, Japanese fiction, Literature, Social life and customs, Princes, Aristocracy (Social class), Manners and customs, Aristocracy (Political science), Man-woman relations, fiction, English translations, JAPANESE LITERATURE, Near and Far Eastern fiction (fictional works by a single author), Japan, fiction, General fiction, Fiction, history and criticism, Historical fiction, Historical fiction, general, CRITICAL LITERARY, Asian, Japanese, Medieval, General, Romance, Courts and courtiers, fiction, Genji monogatari (Murasaki Shikibu)Places

Japan Times

Heian Period, 794-1185, to 1600. Showing 10 featured editions. See all 121 editions?