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
