The Tale of Genji (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) by Murasaki Shikibu

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. 

Penguin Classics Deluxe Editions are high-quality, trade-paperback editions known for their distinct aesthetic, featuring unique, artistic covers often illustrated by renowned artists. Key features include deckled edge pages, French flaps (wraparound art), matte covers, and high-quality acid-free paper, often including authoritative introductions and notes.

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