The Tale of Genji

Murasaki Shikibu

Summary

"Step into the 'Shining' world of the imperial court, where every sleeve-tuck and poem holds the power of life and death."

The Tale of Genji follows the life and loves of Hikaru Genji, the "Shining Prince," the gifted and breathtakingly handsome son of an emperor. Relegated to commoner status for political reasons, Genji navigates the rigid hierarchies and delicate social rituals of the Heian court. The story spans decades, tracing Genji's numerous romantic entanglements, his rise and fall in political favor, and the lives of the women who love him. But beneath the silk robes and moonlit gardens lies a profound meditation on the fleeting nature of life, the weight of karma, and the bittersweet beauty of human connection.

The Aesthetic of "Mono no Aware": Murasaki Shikibu's writing is defined by the concept of mono no aware—a "pathos of things" or a deep sensitivity to the impermanence of the world. Through descriptions of changing seasons, fading blossoms, and the melancholy of the dawn, she captures the delicate sadness of a world that is as beautiful as it is transient.

A Psychological Pioneer: Centuries before the modern psychological novel, Lady Murasaki explored the inner lives of her characters with startling depth. She portrays the complex emotions of women living in a polygamous society—their jealousies, their griefs, and their quiet triumphs—making them feel remarkably contemporary.

Why It Endures: With over 400 characters and 54 chapters, The Tale of Genji is a literary universe unto itself. It is a foundational text of Japanese identity, influencing everything from Noh theater and Ukiyo-e art to modern manga and film. To read Genji is to experience the birth of prose fiction at its most sophisticated.

Experience the elegance of the Shining Prince. Purchase "The Tale of Genji" today.

Available since: 01/16/2026.

Print length: 824 pages.

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