The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu

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About this eBook

Author Murasaki Shikibu, 978?-
Translator Waley, Arthur, 1889-1966
LoC No. 25026899
Title The Tale of Genji
Note Part 2 of this translation is published under title: The sacred tree; part 3 under title: A wreath of cloud: part 4 under title: Blue trousers: part 5 under title: The lady of the boat: part 6 under title: The bridge of dreams.
Note Translation of nine chapters.
Credits Ronald Grenier (This file was produced from images generously made available by Google Books/Stanford University Libraries.)
Summary "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu is a classic novel written in the early 11th century. Often considered the world's first novel, it provides a detailed look into the lives and dreams of the Japanese aristocracy during the Heian period, primarily revolving around the life of the titular character, Genji, a nobleman with romantic entanglements and personal dilemmas. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the background of low-ranking Lady Kiritsubo, who becomes the beloved mistress of the Emperor. Despite their deep affection for each other, her status subjects her to the jealousy and ire of the higher-ranking ladies of the court, ultimately leading to her decline and death shortly after bearing the Emperor's son, Genji. This part of the narrative deftly sets the stage for the complex emotional landscape and courtly intrigues that shape Genji's character and future relationships, establishing a poignant tone of longing and loss that permeates the tale. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PL: Language and Literatures: Languages and literatures of Eastern Asia, Africa, Oceania
Subject Man-woman relationships -- Fiction
Subject Japan -- Court and courtiers -- Fiction
Subject Japanese fiction -- To 1600 -- Translations into English
Subject Japan -- Social life and customs -- To 1600 -- Fiction
Subject Aristocracy (Social class) -- Japan -- Fiction
Subject Princes -- Japan -- Fiction
Category Text
EBook-No. 66057
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Oct 16, 2021
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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