The Tale of Genji

Murasaki Shikibu is the most famous writer of early Japanese literature. Her long novel The Tale of Genji is generally considered the greatest work of Japanese fiction and possibly the world's first novel. It far surpassed previous stories with its sophisticated style and accurate description of human emotions.

Lady Murasaki held the writings of fellow author Sei Shonagon in low regard. In her Diary, she described the compositions that she said Sei Shonagon "scatters about the court" as "pretentious" and full of errors. While acknowledging Sei Shonagon's talents, Lady Murasaki considered Sei Shonagon an extraordinarily self-satisfied and eccentric person, who indulged in her fancies and emotions at inappropriate times.

 

Excerpt adapted from the "Murasaki Shikibu" and "Japanese literature" articles, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999