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Paperback The Tale of Genji: The Authentic First Translation of the World's Earliest Novel Book

ISBN: 4805314648

ISBN13: 9784805314647

The Tale of Genji (2 Volumes)

(Part of the  Series, The Tale of Genji (#1) Series, and The Tale of Genji Series)

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Format: Paperback

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Book Overview

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.

"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

The Tale of Genji (2 Volumes) Mentions in Our Blog

The Tale of Genji (2 Volumes) in Really Big Books
Really Big Books
Published by Ashly Moore Sheldon • May 12, 2022
In this age of distraction, thick volumes can feel intimidating. On the other hand, when we’re reading a really good novel, we never want it to end. Here’s a selection of sixteen whopping reads that are truly worth the time it takes to read them.
The Tale of Genji (2 Volumes) in 11 Women Authors Who Made Literary History
11 Women Authors Who Made Literary History
Published by Ashly Moore Sheldon • March 01, 2022

As we kick off Women's History Month, we decided it's a good time to celebrate some notable women authors who made literary history. These eleven authors are just a handful of those who have paved the way for women writers.

The Tale of Genji (2 Volumes) in Trendsetting Literary Ladies
Trendsetting Literary Ladies
Published by Ashly Moore Sheldon • March 27, 2020

Did you know that the world’s first novel was written by a woman? Or that female authors had a hand in several literary genres, including sci-fi, dystopian, and rom-com? And guess who the world’s first billionaire writer was? Hint: Her most famous character’s initials are H.P. Read on to learn about history’s innovative literary ladies.

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