A Woman's Weapon: Spirit Possession in the Tale of Genji

By Doris G. Bargen

This text presents an examination of Murasaki Shikibu's 11th-century classic The Tale of Genji. The author explores the role of possessing spirits from a female viewpoint, and considers how the male protagonist is central to determining the role of these spirits.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 082481858X
• ISBN13: 9780824818586
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Univ of Hawaii Pr
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.3" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Having Actually read the entire book - as opposed to the other reviewer

I am compelled to write this review in order to correct the false impression given of this important study of Murasaki Shikibu's The Tale of Genji. To write a review of a serious scholarly study should demand that the entire work should have been read & re-read.... remember, "there are no readers, only re-readers." That another reviewer admits to not having read this book, even one time, should serve as a notice to anyone interested in The Tale of Genji & scholarly studies to completely ignore its limited ability to actually engage or respond to an unread work. One might also beware reviews of serous studies by those who can not manage to spell or proofread. Doris Bargen has written, by all accounts, a pivotal study that explores a neglected area in Genji studies (outside of Japan). That Royall Tyler (among others) has praised this study for its exploration of "Spirit" and its relationship to social order should serve as enough of an endorsement to students, scholars & lay-readers to study, enjoy and be enriched by a scholar in love with her material.