Often considered the world’s first novel, The Tale of Genji is an exquisite masterpiece of Japanese literature, written by Lady Murasaki in the early 11th century. Set in the elegant yet politically complex world of the Heian court, the novel follows the life and loves of Hikaru Genji, the son of the emperor and a man of extraordinary beauty, talent, and charm.
Through a sweeping narrative of passion, longing, and courtly intrigue, The Tale of Genji captures the customs, aesthetics, and moral dilemmas of Heian-era Japan. With poetic sensitivity, Lady Murasaki crafts an intimate portrait of love and loss, power and impermanence, illuminating a world of unparalleled refinement.
This edition presents The Tale of Genji in an accessible and beautifully rendered translation, preserving the grace and nuance of the original text while making it available to modern readers.
About the author
Lady Murasaki, a noblewoman of Japan’s Heian period, is best known as the author of The Tale of Genji, widely regarded as the world’s first novel. A lady-in-waiting at the imperial court, she was deeply immersed in the aristocratic culture of the time, which she captured with keen insight in her writing.
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