# The tale of Genji

By Murasaki Shikibu.

"The tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu is a classic work of Japanese literature written in the early 11th century. Often considered the world's first novel, it depicts the lives of high courtiers during the Heian period. The story follows Hikaru Genji, the emperor's son demoted to commoner status, through his romantic encounters and later years. The narrative continues with his descendants, weaving together hundreds of characters across multiple generations in this monumental work of court life and forbidden love. (Summary by Project Gutenberg, written by machine.)

- Language: English
- Translator: Arthur Waley
- Subjects: Psychological fiction; Man-woman relationships -- Fiction; Romance fiction; Japan -- Court and courtiers -- Fiction; Japanese fiction -- To 1600 -- Translations into English; Japan -- Social life and customs -- To 1600 -- Fiction; Aristocracy (Social class) -- Japan -- Fiction; Princes -- Japan -- Fiction; Hikaru Genji (Fictitious character) -- Fiction

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From Project Gutenberg. Public domain in the United States.