The Tale of Genji

Considered today to be a classic of Japanese literature, Lady Murasaki Shikibu's groundbreaking novel, The Tale of Genji, is a story of a young man in search of love in the time of Heian aristocracy. In the immediate aftermath of his mother's death, Genji-the love child of Emperor Kiritsubo and his favorite concubine-is stripped of his birthright and royalty to avoid political scandal. Nevertheless remaining close to the Emperor's heart, Genji is nicknamed "Shining Prince," and grows into an unusually handsome, talented and intelligent boy, granting him favor and admiration beyond that expected of his birth status. During this time the Emperor, having heard of a princess who resembles his deceased lover, brings Lady Fujitsubo into the palace as his new wife and in doing so, unknowingly sets the growing Genji on a path of romantic dalliances, hoping too, to fill the void of his loss with women. Professionally typeset with a beautifully designed cover, this edition of The Tale of Genji is a classic of Japanese literature reimagined for the modern reader.