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 …
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.
Japanese language
Published Nov. 11, 1969 by Kawade Shobō Shinsha.
Chinese language
Published Nov. 11, 1987 by Yuan jing chu ban shi ye gong si.
Japanese language
Published Nov. 11, 1966 by Nihon Daigaku Toshokan.
Japanese language
Published Nov. 11, 1975 by Ōfūsha.
microform
Japanese language
Published Nov. 11, 1946 by Asahi Shimbun Sha.
Japanese language
Published Nov. 11, 1977 by Musashino Shoin.
Japanese language
Published Nov. 11, 1991 by Koten Bunko.
Japanese language
Published Nov. 11, 1952 by Mikasa Shobō.
Japanese language
Published Nov. 11, 1970 by Shōgakkan.
Japanese language
Published Nov. 11, 1961 by Chikuma Shobō.
Japanese language
Published Nov. 11, 1978 by Furukawa Shobō.
Japanese language
Published Nov. 11, 1971 by Kawade Shobō Shinsha.
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