Books by Murasaki Shikibu

Una de las primeras novelas consideradas por derecho propio pertenecientes a la literatura universal, y cumbre absoluta de la literatura japonesa. Estos pensamientos de Murasaki Shikibu, autora de la afamada Historia de Genji, hablan de su vida como tutora y dama de compañía de la emperatriz Shōshi. En sus páginas nos adentramos en la vida en el palacio de la emperatriz y sus vicisitudes desde un punto de vista tan cercano como agudo.Este audiolibro está narrado en castellano.Murasaki Shikibu fue una escritora y cortesana del siglo XI. Se la considera autora de la primera novela japonesa: La historia de Genji. Dama de compañía de la emperatriz Shoshi, recogió en sus diarios un relato pormenorizado de la vida en la corte.

"e;What Waley did create is literary art of extraordinary beauty that brings to life in English the world Murasaki Shikibu imagined. The beauty of his art has not dimmed, but like the original text itself retains the power to move and enlighten."e;Dennis Washburn, from his foreword Centuries before Shakespeare, Murasaki Shikibu's The Tale of Genji was already acknowledged as a classic of Japanese literature. Over the past century, this book has gained worldwide acceptance as not only the world's first novel but as one of the greatest works of literature of all time.The hero of the tale, Prince Genji, is a shining example of the Heian-era ideal manaccomplished in poetry, dance, music, painting, and, not least of all to the novel's many plots, romance. The Tale of Genji and the characters and world it depicts have influenced Japanese culture to its very core. This celebrated translation by Arthur Waley gives Western readers a very genuine feel for the tone of this beloved classic.This edition contains the complete Waley translation of all six books of The Tale of Genji and also contains a new foreword by Dennis Washburn with key insights into both the book and the importance of this translation for modern readers.

The Diary recorded by Lady Murasaki (c. 973-c. 1020), author of The Tale of Genji, is an intimate picture of her life as tutor and companion to the young Empress Shoshi. Told in a series of vignettes, it offers revealing glimpses of the Japanese imperial palace - the auspicious birth of a prince, rivalries between the Emperor's consorts, with sharp criticism of Murasaki's fellow ladies-in-waiting and drunken courtiers, and telling remarks about the timid Empress and her powerful father, Michinaga. The Diary is also a work of great subtlety and intense personal reflection, as Murasaki makes penetrating insights into human psychology - her pragmatic observations always balanced by an exquisite and pensive melancholy.