The Tale of Genji

Murasaki Shikibu

• Publisher: Antique Editions
• Year: 2026
• Topic: Literature
• eBook ISBN:
  9782379264481
• Subtopic: Classics
• Index: Literature

Written in the early 11th century, The Tale of Genji is widely regarded as the world's first novel and a cornerstone of Japanese literature. Set in the refined court society of Heian-era Japan, the story follows the life and romantic pursuits of Prince Genji, the "Shining Prince," whose charm, sensitivity, and ambition shape his complex relationships. Through elegant prose and psychological depth, Murasaki Shikibu portrays themes of love, beauty, impermanence, and the subtle dynamics of court life. The novel offers a richly detailed glimpse into aristocratic culture, artistic expression, and the emotional intricacies of human relationships. Poetic, reflective, and timeless, The Tale of Genji remains a literary masterpiece celebrated for its sophistication, emotional nuance, and enduring influence on world literature.

Table of contents

• Top
• The Paulownia Court
• The Broom Tree
• The Shell of the Locust
• Evening Faces
• Lavender
• The Safflower
• An Autumn Exersion
• The Festival of the Cherry Blossoms
• Heartvine
• The Sacred Tree
• The Orange Blossoms
• Suma
• Akashi
• Channel Buoys
• The Wormwood Patch
• The Gatehouse
• A Picture Contest
• The Wind in the Pines
• A Rack of Cloud
• The Morning Glory
• The Maiden
• The Jeweled Chaplet
• The First Warbler
• Butterflies
• Fireflies
• Wild Carnations
• Flares
• The Typhoon
• The Royal Outing
• Purple Trousers
• The Cypress Pillar
• A Branch of Plum
• Wisteria Leaves
• New Herbs
• New Herbs
• The Oak Tree
• The Flute
• The Bell Cricket
• Evening Mist
• The Rites
• The Wizard
• His Perfumed Highness
• The Rose Plum
• Bamboo River
• The Lady at the Bridge
• Beneath the Oak
• Trefoil Knots
• Early Ferns
• The Ivy
• The Eastern Cottage
• A Boat upon the Waters
• The Drake Fly
• The Writing Practice
• The Floating Bridge of Dreams