The Diary of Lady Murasaki (Penguin Classics)
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Product Description
Product Description
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.
About the Author
Lady Murasaki lived in Japan at the end of the ninth century. She was the author of The Tale of the Genji, which has been hailed as the first novel.
Richard Bowring has also translated The Tale of the Genji and is editor of the Cambridge Encyclopedia of Japan.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
As autumn advances, the Tsuchimikado mansion looks unutterably beautiful. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
As autumn advances, the Tsuchimikado mansion looks unutterably beautiful. Read the first page
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Concordance
Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
48 of 48 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
It is impossible, after finishing this beautiful book, to believe that Murasaki Shikibu has been dead for a thousand years - through her diary and poetry you sense a real human spirit.
The diary, and Murasaki herself, are even more appealing when contrasted against the grandeur and ritual of the Heian court she served.
The ceremonies, competitions, veneration of poetry and gorgeous colours and costumes are unbelievably vivid, intricate and fascinating.
Although the formality of the court seems alien to the modern world, Murasaki's observations give intimate glimpses of the characters of those involved, from Empress to serving-maid.
After finishing this book, you feel real regret. Read it and immerse yourself in a lost world.
The diary, and Murasaki herself, are even more appealing when contrasted against the grandeur and ritual of the Heian court she served.
The ceremonies, competitions, veneration of poetry and gorgeous colours and costumes are unbelievably vivid, intricate and fascinating.
Although the formality of the court seems alien to the modern world, Murasaki's observations give intimate glimpses of the characters of those involved, from Empress to serving-maid.
After finishing this book, you feel real regret. Read it and immerse yourself in a lost world.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The diary of Lady Murasaki is the court diary of the author of the Tale of Genji - an 11th century masterpiece of japanese literature. Although Murasaki Shikibu has been dead for over 1000 years this diary brings to life Murasaki and the imperial court. It recounts an important period at court with the birth of Empress Shoshi's first son. We are given details into court ceremonies, life, fashion, and attitudes. Excellent read, especially if you're interested in Japan.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
While England was ruled by Ethelred the Unready, the "Lady Murasaki" was creating a wonderful saga of the shining prince, The Tale Of Genji (Everyman's Library classics) This is the diary of her life at court, describing the clothes, the rituals and the behaviour of the Japanese court, 1000 years ago. The Excellent notes enhance this slim volume.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
this is not chick lit
It's nice, but it's just not chick lit! I was expecting some love action, even some shopping and girl-talk. I got a thousand year old diary.
Published 2 months ago by wendy jones
The diary of Lady Murasaki
It finally came after a wait of one and a half months! I guess it was worth waiting for, except I was hoping to use it as part of a paper I was doing. It did not arrive in time. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Topcat
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