THE TALE OF THE GENJI; By Lady Murasaki / Translated by Edward G. Seidensticker
New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1974. First Edition. Cloth. 2 volumes: thick quartos in a slipcase, cloth with gold lettering on spine, 1135 pages. Weight: 4 lbs. 11.5 oz. Fine / SLIPCASE: Very Good +. Item #9782
Murasaki Shikibu (English: Lady Murasaki; c. 973 or 978 – c. 1014 or 1031) was a Japanese novelist, poet and lady-in-waiting at the Imperial court during the Heian period. She has achieved immortal fame as the author of The Tale of Genji (ca.1000 and 1012). Murasaki Shikibu is a descriptive name; her personal name is unknown, but she may have been Fujiwara no Kaoruko.
The Tale of Genji is sometimes called the world's first novel, the first modern novel, or the first novel to still be considered a classic. Contents: The Tale of Genji, The Sacred Tree, A Wreath of Cloud, Blue Trousers, The Lady of the Boat, & The Bridge of Dreams.
Translator Edward G. Seidenstidker (1921 – 2007) was an American noted post-World War II scholar, historian, and preeminent translator of classical and contemporary Japanese literature. His English translation of the epic The Tale of Genji, published in 1976, was especially well received critically and is counted among the preferred modern translations.
SUPERIOR CONDITION for this hefty set. Internally clean and bright. Slipcase very solid, very bright, and very clean. It has a moderate bump (2" by 5/8") on its bottom, ergo Very Good +. No previous owner markings.
Price: $95.00