The tale of Genji

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

66057

Title

The tale of Genji

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

The Tale of Genji is a classic Japanese novel written by Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th century. The story revolves around Prince Genji, a young nobleman who falls in love with various women and navigates the complexities of court life.

Summary up to 500 words

The Tale of Genji is a masterpiece of Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th century. The novel tells the story of Prince Genji's life and loves, exploring themes of love, loyalty, and social hierarchy in 11th-century Japan. Born into a noble family, Genji is known for his beauty, intelligence, and charm. He falls deeply in love with several women, including Fujitsubo, who becomes his closest companion. However, their love is forbidden, and they must keep it secret from the rest of the court. Meanwhile, Genji's relationships with other women lead to complications and heartbreak. The novel explores the complexities of human emotions and relationships, revealing the intricacies of Japanese society during this period. Through its richly detailed descriptions of life in the imperial court, the novel provides a unique glimpse into the culture and customs of 11th-century Japan. Genji's story is one of tragic love, loss, and self-discovery, as he navigates the complexities of his own desires and the societal expectations placed upon him. The novel is considered one of the greatest works of Japanese literature, and its influence can still be felt today in literature, art, and popular culture. The Tale of Genji has been translated into many languages and continues to be widely read and studied around the world.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/66057.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg66057.epub

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Downloaded at

2026-07-07 09:35 UTC

Categories

• Classics
• Romance
• Psychological fiction
• Japan