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The Tale of Genji (Penguin Classics)
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Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
Author: Murasaki Shikibu
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Average Customer Rating:
Our Price: $10.20
You Save: $ 4.80 ( 32% )
Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
Author: Murasaki Shikibu
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Average Customer Rating:
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The Tale of Genji (Penguin Classics) Description
Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 895.6314
EAN: 9780143039495
ISBN: 0143039490
Label: Penguin Classics
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
Number Of Items: 1
Book Pages: 400
Publication Date: 2006-02-28
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Studio: Penguin Classics
Dewey Decimal Number: 895.6314
EAN: 9780143039495
ISBN: 0143039490
Label: Penguin Classics
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
Number Of Items: 1
Book Pages: 400
Publication Date: 2006-02-28
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Studio: Penguin Classics
Editorial Review of The Tale of Genji (Penguin Classics)
“Superbly written and genuinely engaging . . . one of those works that can be read and reread throughout one’s life.” —Liza Dalby, Los Angeles Times Book Review
Written in the eleventh century, this exquisite portrait of courtly life in medieval Japan is widely celebrated as the world’s first novel—and is certainly one of its finest. Genji, the Shining Prince, son of an emperor, 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 superb translation is detailed, poetic, and true to the Japanese original while allowing the English reader to appreciate its timeless beauty. In this deftly abridged edition, Tyler focuses on the early chapters, which vividly evoke Genji as a young man and leave him at his first moment of triumph.
Written in the eleventh century, this exquisite portrait of courtly life in medieval Japan is widely celebrated as the world’s first novel—and is certainly one of its finest. Genji, the Shining Prince, son of an emperor, 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 superb translation is detailed, poetic, and true to the Japanese original while allowing the English reader to appreciate its timeless beauty. In this deftly abridged edition, Tyler focuses on the early chapters, which vividly evoke Genji as a young man and leave him at his first moment of triumph.
Customer Reviews of The Tale of Genji (Penguin Classics)
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: An Excellent Read!!!!!
Review: "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu is recognized as the world's first true novel. Written in the late 10th or early 11th century, it is a story of the life of "Genji", who is the son of an Emperor of Japan in the 9th century. Known as "The shining Prince", the story follows Genji's exploits over the course of his lifetime. The book gives insight into the lifestyle of a young, strikingly handsome prince who is revered by those he comes in contact with.
The true author, known as Murasaki Shikibu, was the daughter of a governor of several provinces. She is recognized as writing the entire tale, which consists of 54 chapters in its original format. Because all of the original versions were handwritten, the version we know of today are edited and compiled from multiple versions that were copied from the original, copied by an unknown scholar during the 13th century.
The story gives insight as to royal life during the time period. Its unabashed views of the lifestyle of Genji, and those around him, do not spare the reader of the downsides of royal life. In fact, much of what is portrayed in the book could be considered scandalous in nature, given the positions of importance many of the characters in the book have in Japanese society of that time period.
What strikes me as fascinating with this book is the obvious parallels to the life and human nature of those who live in today's world. The real life drama and adventure presented in this novel is compelling, if not somewhat scandalous. It is an absolutely compelling read, considering the time period it was written in, and it provides a fascinating look into the formality of royal life of the time period. The details are immaculate, and the romanticism of the era, even if somewhat misguided, are enough to make the most stoic reader feel the emotions of the characters in the book.
The many references to poetry, music, and writing styles are reminiscent of the way Japan imported much of its early style and influence from the Chinese and Koreans. Reading this book is like reading a history novel, but from the standpoint of being part of history. It is an excellent supplement to college level history classes, which is how I came to read it myself.
This book by far stands on its own when compared to other novels, if not for the quality of the content, then simply for consideration of the time period it was written in. The sheer detail and manner of writing are second to none, and rivals the quality of the product of today's writers. I would definitely recommend it to others, and I would absolutely without hesitation rate this as one of the better novels I have read.
Review Summary: An Excellent Read!!!!!
Review: "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu is recognized as the world's first true novel. Written in the late 10th or early 11th century, it is a story of the life of "Genji", who is the son of an Emperor of Japan in the 9th century. Known as "The shining Prince", the story follows Genji's exploits over the course of his lifetime. The book gives insight into the lifestyle of a young, strikingly handsome prince who is revered by those he comes in contact with.
The true author, known as Murasaki Shikibu, was the daughter of a governor of several provinces. She is recognized as writing the entire tale, which consists of 54 chapters in its original format. Because all of the original versions were handwritten, the version we know of today are edited and compiled from multiple versions that were copied from the original, copied by an unknown scholar during the 13th century.
The story gives insight as to royal life during the time period. Its unabashed views of the lifestyle of Genji, and those around him, do not spare the reader of the downsides of royal life. In fact, much of what is portrayed in the book could be considered scandalous in nature, given the positions of importance many of the characters in the book have in Japanese society of that time period.
What strikes me as fascinating with this book is the obvious parallels to the life and human nature of those who live in today's world. The real life drama and adventure presented in this novel is compelling, if not somewhat scandalous. It is an absolutely compelling read, considering the time period it was written in, and it provides a fascinating look into the formality of royal life of the time period. The details are immaculate, and the romanticism of the era, even if somewhat misguided, are enough to make the most stoic reader feel the emotions of the characters in the book.
The many references to poetry, music, and writing styles are reminiscent of the way Japan imported much of its early style and influence from the Chinese and Koreans. Reading this book is like reading a history novel, but from the standpoint of being part of history. It is an excellent supplement to college level history classes, which is how I came to read it myself.
This book by far stands on its own when compared to other novels, if not for the quality of the content, then simply for consideration of the time period it was written in. The sheer detail and manner of writing are second to none, and rivals the quality of the product of today's writers. I would definitely recommend it to others, and I would absolutely without hesitation rate this as one of the better novels I have read.