The Tale of Genji
One of the world's oldest novels and the greatest single work of Japanese literature, this 11th-century romance centers on the lives and loves of an emperor's son. It offers a vast tapestry of the intrigues and rivalries of court life, as well as an exquisitely detailed portrayal of a decaying...
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One of the world's oldest novels and the greatest single work of Japanese literature, this 11th-century romance centers on the lives and loves of an emperor's son. It offers a vast tapestry of the intrigues and rivalries of court life, as well as an exquisitely detailed portrayal of a decaying aristocracy. Rich in poetry and wordplay in addition to subtle social and psychological observations, this splendid translation of the first part of a tremendously influential masterpiece provides Western readers with a memorable taste of one of the world's first and greatest novels.
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Format: hardcover
ISBN:
9780394604053 (0394604059)
Publish date: August 17th 1993
Publisher: Modern Library
Pages no: 135
Edition language: English
Category:
Classics,
History,
Academic,
School,
Literature,
Cultural,
Romance,
Asian Literature,
Asia,
Japan,
Japanese Literature,
Historical
The edition I read is translated by Arthur Waley and published in 2016 by Stellar Editions. It is only 183 pages and nine chapters and appears to be photocopied then printed with marks on some pages that suggest the edge of the original text. Genji is still a young man at the end of this version as ...
66. THE TALE OF GENJI, BY MURASAKI SHIKIBURecommended to me by Michele Ruedin, on Goodreads, although she did tell me she hadn’t read it herself.This is supposed to be the first “true” or “modern” novel in existence. I’m not sure what “true” or “modern” are supposed to mean in this context, but I ga...
This is a work I've often seen named as the first novel, as well as a work that the introduction claims greatly influenced and embodies the Japanese culture--and this by a women writer. Not many undeniably great classics, especially this old, can claim female authorship, and this one was written aro...
I think at some point in time I do want to read all of The Tale of Genji. But for now: life is too short. I recognise the historical significance of the work. However, the translation and style make for a tedious read (and I simply don't have the willpower to keep going for another 1000+ pages).And ...
Some people here are commenting that the book is extremely misogynist. The book is misogynist but the book was written in early eleventh century Japan, so of course it is misogynist. I don't really know what people were expecting. Books tend to reflect most to all of the values of the culture of ...
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