About the book
The world’s first novel, in a translation that is “likely to be the definitive edition . . . for many years to come” (The Wall Street Journal)
A Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition, with flaps and deckle-edged paper
Written in the eleventh century, this exquisite portrait of courtly life in medieval Japan is widely celebrated as the world’s first novel. Genji, the Shining Prince, is the son of an emperor. He is a passionate character whose tempestuous nature, family circumstances, love affairs, alliances, and shifting political fortunes form the core of this magnificent epic. Royall Tyler’s superior translation is detailed, poetic, and superbly true to the Japanese original while allowing the modern reader to appreciate it as a contemporary treasure. Supplemented with detailed notes, glossaries, character lists, and chronologies to help the reader navigate the multigenerational narrative, this comprehensive edition presents this ancient tale in the grand style that it deserves.
Editions of The Tale of Genji
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780670030200
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780142437148
- EBook
- ISBN 9781101657621
Read an Excerpt
The world’s first novel, in a translation that is “likely to be the definitive edition . . . for many years to come” (The Wall Street Journal)
A Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition, with flaps and deckle-edged paper
Written in the eleventh century, this exquisite portrait of courtly life in medieval Japan is widely celebrated as the world’s first novel. Genji, the Shining Prince, is the son of an emperor. He is a passionate character whose tempestuous nature, family circumstances, love affairs, alliances, and shifting political fortunes form the core of this magnificent epic. Royall Tyler’s superior translation is detailed, poetic, and superbly true to the Japanese original while allowing the modern reader to appreciate it as a contemporary treasure. Supplemented with detailed notes, glossaries, character lists, and chronologies to help the reader navigate the multigenerational narrative, this comprehensive edition presents this ancient tale in the grand style that it deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Tale of Genji about?
The world’s first novel, in a translation that is “likely to be the definitive edition . . . for many years to come” (The Wall Street Journal)
A Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition, with flaps and deckle-edged paper
Written in the eleventh century, this exquisite portrait of courtly life in medieval Japan is widely celebrated as the world’s first novel. Genji, the Shining Prince, is the son of an emperor. He is a passionate character whose tempestuous nature, family circumstances, love affairs, alliances, and shifting political fortunes form the core of this magnificent epic. Royall Tyler’s superior translation is detailed, poetic, and superbly true to the Japanese original while allowing the modern reader to appreciate it as a contemporary treasure. Supplemented with detailed notes, glossaries, character lists, and chronologies to help the reader navigate the multigenerational narrative, this comprehensive edition presents this ancient tale in the grand style that it deserves.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Tale of Genji?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Anthologies
Where can I read a sample of The Tale of Genji?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780670030200
Is The Tale of Genji part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Tale of Genji?
Murasaki Shikibu
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Tale of Genji is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780670030200) and paperback(ISBN 9780142437148) and ebook(ISBN 9781101657621)
Where can I buy The Tale of Genji online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Tale of Genji from below
Where can I buy The Tale of Genji?