Tale of Genji: A Reader's Guide

By William J. Puette

Book Overview

This is the most complete reader's guide available on Japan's highly revered novel, the eleventh-century classic, The Tale of Genji, by Murasaki Shikibu, referred to by Nobel laureate Yasunari Kawabata as "the highest pinnacle of Japanese literature." Written specifically to accompany the translations of the work by Arthur Waley and Edward G. Seidensticker, the guide offers detailed summaries and thematic commentaries, as well as cross-referenced notes on the novel's many characters. It also charts the essential progress of The Tale of Genji and introduces the reader to the more subtle complexities, literary devices, and conventions of Lady Murasaki's Heian Japan. Book jacket.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0804818797
• ISBN13: 9780804818797
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Tuttle Pub
• Length: 196 Pages
• Weight: 0.96 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.5" x 0.5" x 4.5"

Customer Reviews

Essential Supplement to the Tale of Genji

Essential Supplement to the Tale of Genji! Provides critical info regarding Japanese culture during the Heian period. Deeply enriches understanding of the novel.

helpful

This book was writen as a companion to two earlier translations. However it serves well to provide background and chapter summaries for the Royall Tyler translation which has just become available.

ESSENTIAL READING

A god-send "map" of sorts through the galaxy of characters and events in Murasaki Shikibu's "The Tale of Genji." I only wish Puette had continued with detailed reviews after Chapter 9. Otherwise, an exellent guide to a wonderful, absorbing novel.