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源氏物語
Genji & Heike: Selections from The Tale of Genji and The Tale of the Heike
The Tale of Genji and The Tale of the Heike are the two major works of classical Japanese prose. The complete versions of both works are too long to be taught in one term, and this abridgement answers the need for a one-volume edition of both works suitable for use in survey courses in classical Japanese literature or world literature in translation and by the general reader daunted by the complete works. The translator has selected representative portions of the two texts with a view to shaping the abridgments into coherent, aesthetically acceptable wholes.
Often called the world's earliest novel, The Tale of Genji, by Murasaki Shikibu, is a poetic evocation of aristocratic life in eleventh-century Japan, a period of brilliant cultural efflorescence. This new translation focuses on important events in the life of its main character, Genji. It traces the full length of Genji's relationship with Murasaki, the deepest and most enduring of his emotional attachments, and contains all or parts of 10 of the 41 chapters in which Genji figures, including the "Broom Tree" chapter, which provides a reprise of the themes of the book.
In romanticized but essentially truthful fashion, The Tale of the Heike describes the late twelfth-century political intrigues and battlefield clashes that led to the eclipse of the Kyoto court and the establishment of a military government by the rival Minamoto (Genji) clan. Its underlying theme, the evanescence of worldly things, echoes some of the concerns of the Genji, but its language preserves many traces of oral composition, and its vigor and expansiveness contrast sharply with the pensive, elegant tone of the Genji. The selections of the Heike, about 40 percent of the work, are taken from the translator's complete edition, which received great acclaim: "this version of the Heike is superb and indeed reveals to English-language readers for the first time the full scope, grandeur, and literary richness of the work."—Journal of Asian Studies
For both the Genji and the Heike abridgments, the translator has provided introductions, headnote summaries, and other supplementary materials designed to help readers follow the sometimes confused story lines and keep the characters straight. The book also includes an appendix, a glossary, a bibliography, and two maps.
Often called the world's earliest novel, The Tale of Genji, by Murasaki Shikibu, is a poetic evocation of aristocratic life in eleventh-century Japan, a period of brilliant cultural efflorescence. This new translation focuses on important events in the life of its main character, Genji. It traces the full length of Genji's relationship with Murasaki, the deepest and most enduring of his emotional attachments, and contains all or parts of 10 of the 41 chapters in which Genji figures, including the "Broom Tree" chapter, which provides a reprise of the themes of the book.
In romanticized but essentially truthful fashion, The Tale of the Heike describes the late twelfth-century political intrigues and battlefield clashes that led to the eclipse of the Kyoto court and the establishment of a military government by the rival Minamoto (Genji) clan. Its underlying theme, the evanescence of worldly things, echoes some of the concerns of the Genji, but its language preserves many traces of oral composition, and its vigor and expansiveness contrast sharply with the pensive, elegant tone of the Genji. The selections of the Heike, about 40 percent of the work, are taken from the translator's complete edition, which received great acclaim: "this version of the Heike is superb and indeed reveals to English-language readers for the first time the full scope, grandeur, and literary richness of the work."—Journal of Asian Studies
For both the Genji and the Heike abridgments, the translator has provided introductions, headnote summaries, and other supplementary materials designed to help readers follow the sometimes confused story lines and keep the characters straight. The book also includes an appendix, a glossary, a bibliography, and two maps.
500 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1994
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About the author
Murasaki Shikibu
284 books517 followersMurasaki Shikibu (Japanese: 紫式部), born around 978 in Heian-kyō (modern-day Kyoto), is widely celebrated as one of the most important and pioneering figures in Japanese literature. Though her real name is not definitively known, she is remembered by the sobriquet “Murasaki Shikibu,” a name derived from a combination of her most famous literary character, Murasaki, and her father’s official court position in the Bureau of Ceremonial (Shikibu-shō). This alias reflects both her literary contribution and her aristocratic lineage.
She was born into the prestigious Fujiwara family, though to a lesser branch that did not hold the most powerful positions in court. Her father, Fujiwara no Tametoki, was a scholar, poet, and provincial governor. Recognizing his daughter’s remarkable intellect, he allowed her to study Chinese classics, a field generally restricted to men in the Heian period. This early education proved foundational, setting her apart from many of her contemporaries and deeply influencing her literary style.
Murasaki married in her twenties, but her husband died shortly after their daughter was born. Following his death, she may have spent a period of seclusion before being summoned to court around 1005, where she entered the service of Empress Shōshi (also known as Fujiwara no Shōshi), the consort of Emperor Ichijō. In this environment of cultural refinement and political sophistication, Murasaki thrived, participating in the literary and poetic salons that were central to courtly life.
Her greatest and most enduring achievement is The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari), a monumental narrative often hailed as the world’s first novel. Written in the early 11th century during her time at court, the work consists of fifty-four chapters and follows the life, loves, and descendants of the nobleman Hikaru Genji. With rich psychological insight, a deep understanding of human emotion, and elegant prose interwoven with more than 800 waka poems, The Tale of Genji offers a vivid depiction of Heian court culture, aesthetics, and the complex interplay of personal ambition, desire, and fate. It remains one of the central pillars of classical Japanese literature.
In addition to The Tale of Genji, Murasaki also wrote The Diary of Lady Murasaki (Murasaki Shikibu Nikki), a work of non-fiction that offers unique glimpses into the daily life of the court and her own thoughts and experiences. Unlike her fiction, her diary is often introspective and frank, providing invaluable context for understanding Heian society, the role of women, and the tensions she faced as both a court insider and a perceptive, occasionally critical observer of her surroundings.
Despite the limitations placed upon women during her time, Murasaki Shikibu’s writings reflect a striking depth of knowledge, not only in poetry and prose but also in Chinese classics and Buddhist philosophy. Her work was deeply shaped by the refined aesthetics of the Heian period, especially the concept of mono no aware—the awareness of the impermanence of things—which permeates The Tale of Genji and gives it a profound emotional resonance.
Murasaki Shikibu’s influence transcended her own time. Her works continued to be read, studied, and copied in the centuries that followed. She has been commemorated in literature, art, and even in religious tradition, and is still celebrated today as a cultural icon. Statues and memorials honor her across Japan, and The Tale of Genji has inspired countless translations, adaptations, and scholarly studies worldwide.
Her legacy endures not only because of the historical significance of her writing but also because of the timeless insight she offered into the human condition. Murasaki Shikibu remains a symbol of literary brilliance, intellectual resilience, and artistic sensitivity—a voice from a millennium ago that continues to speak across the ages.
She was born into the prestigious Fujiwara family, though to a lesser branch that did not hold the most powerful positions in court. Her father, Fujiwara no Tametoki, was a scholar, poet, and provincial governor. Recognizing his daughter’s remarkable intellect, he allowed her to study Chinese classics, a field generally restricted to men in the Heian period. This early education proved foundational, setting her apart from many of her contemporaries and deeply influencing her literary style.
Murasaki married in her twenties, but her husband died shortly after their daughter was born. Following his death, she may have spent a period of seclusion before being summoned to court around 1005, where she entered the service of Empress Shōshi (also known as Fujiwara no Shōshi), the consort of Emperor Ichijō. In this environment of cultural refinement and political sophistication, Murasaki thrived, participating in the literary and poetic salons that were central to courtly life.
Her greatest and most enduring achievement is The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari), a monumental narrative often hailed as the world’s first novel. Written in the early 11th century during her time at court, the work consists of fifty-four chapters and follows the life, loves, and descendants of the nobleman Hikaru Genji. With rich psychological insight, a deep understanding of human emotion, and elegant prose interwoven with more than 800 waka poems, The Tale of Genji offers a vivid depiction of Heian court culture, aesthetics, and the complex interplay of personal ambition, desire, and fate. It remains one of the central pillars of classical Japanese literature.
In addition to The Tale of Genji, Murasaki also wrote The Diary of Lady Murasaki (Murasaki Shikibu Nikki), a work of non-fiction that offers unique glimpses into the daily life of the court and her own thoughts and experiences. Unlike her fiction, her diary is often introspective and frank, providing invaluable context for understanding Heian society, the role of women, and the tensions she faced as both a court insider and a perceptive, occasionally critical observer of her surroundings.
Despite the limitations placed upon women during her time, Murasaki Shikibu’s writings reflect a striking depth of knowledge, not only in poetry and prose but also in Chinese classics and Buddhist philosophy. Her work was deeply shaped by the refined aesthetics of the Heian period, especially the concept of mono no aware—the awareness of the impermanence of things—which permeates The Tale of Genji and gives it a profound emotional resonance.
Murasaki Shikibu’s influence transcended her own time. Her works continued to be read, studied, and copied in the centuries that followed. She has been commemorated in literature, art, and even in religious tradition, and is still celebrated today as a cultural icon. Statues and memorials honor her across Japan, and The Tale of Genji has inspired countless translations, adaptations, and scholarly studies worldwide.
Her legacy endures not only because of the historical significance of her writing but also because of the timeless insight she offered into the human condition. Murasaki Shikibu remains a symbol of literary brilliance, intellectual resilience, and artistic sensitivity—a voice from a millennium ago that continues to speak across the ages.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 27, 2018
This edition translated by Helen Craig McCullough from Stanford Uni Press contains selections from both of Japan's national epics: Tale of Genji & Tale of Heike. Her translation is steeped in beauty reminiscent of traditional Japanese culture. She uses phrases that emphasizes the spiritual elements of nature such as:
"It would never do to carry off such a fragile, helpless creature to a cheerless shore where the winds and waves would be their only visitors..."
"'The Heike have produced generations of poets and other talented figures. People used to compare them to flowers - and Shigehira was the peony, they said.'"
She does use some modern words but they fit with the 'high brow' nature of the story and make the reading experience a bit more academic. These epics are about the Emperor and those around him, so academic words don't bog down the story in anyway. Some examples "diffident, placid front, exemplar of refinement"
If you'd like to read these 2 epics but don't have the time to read them in their entirety, this could be a suitable edition for getting started. Keep in mind, this edition is a mere selection assembled into a novel format. An abridgement would contain many more of the stories. So with this edition, you'll be missing the majority of the story.
I'll link a fuller review with other translations & more resources later.
"It would never do to carry off such a fragile, helpless creature to a cheerless shore where the winds and waves would be their only visitors..."
"'The Heike have produced generations of poets and other talented figures. People used to compare them to flowers - and Shigehira was the peony, they said.'"
She does use some modern words but they fit with the 'high brow' nature of the story and make the reading experience a bit more academic. These epics are about the Emperor and those around him, so academic words don't bog down the story in anyway. Some examples "diffident, placid front, exemplar of refinement"
If you'd like to read these 2 epics but don't have the time to read them in their entirety, this could be a suitable edition for getting started. Keep in mind, this edition is a mere selection assembled into a novel format. An abridgement would contain many more of the stories. So with this edition, you'll be missing the majority of the story.
I'll link a fuller review with other translations & more resources later.
February 24, 2018
Whenever I go into reading a work of ancient literature, I just assume I'll hate it.
I always forget that ancient literature almost ALWAYS reads like the wildest soap opera that ABC regrets never airing. The Young and the Restless who?
Genji was the original soft fuckboy. Yeah he cries and dances and writes poetry and shit but like he also sleeps with everyone and their mother and also his own stepmother. He causes a carriage battle between rich girls. Ladies, ladies, come the fuck on, you're all so much better than this idiot pedophile anyway, he's not worth ruining your pretty carriage and getting literally possessed. Now that I think about it this is basically Gossip Girl but set in premodern Japan and insane. What a way to birth unto the world the concept of The Novel.
(Why did I have to write my paper on the portrayal of nature in premodern Japanese lit? Guaranteed that paper would have been a masterpiece if it could have been about Genji being the OG soft fuckboy. If I ever go into postgraduate studies of literature I'm 100% writing my thesis about the evolution of the fuckboy in literature omg)
(I only read Genji bc my eyes would glaze over and crack into little bitty pieces and fall out and I would die if I did all the reading that's assigned to me every week but I'm marking the whole damn thing as finished anyway bc I'll be damned if the trillion years I spent reading Genji doesn't count for something towards my challenge!!)
I always forget that ancient literature almost ALWAYS reads like the wildest soap opera that ABC regrets never airing. The Young and the Restless who?
Genji was the original soft fuckboy. Yeah he cries and dances and writes poetry and shit but like he also sleeps with everyone and their mother and also his own stepmother. He causes a carriage battle between rich girls. Ladies, ladies, come the fuck on, you're all so much better than this idiot pedophile anyway, he's not worth ruining your pretty carriage and getting literally possessed. Now that I think about it this is basically Gossip Girl but set in premodern Japan and insane. What a way to birth unto the world the concept of The Novel.
(Why did I have to write my paper on the portrayal of nature in premodern Japanese lit? Guaranteed that paper would have been a masterpiece if it could have been about Genji being the OG soft fuckboy. If I ever go into postgraduate studies of literature I'm 100% writing my thesis about the evolution of the fuckboy in literature omg)
(I only read Genji bc my eyes would glaze over and crack into little bitty pieces and fall out and I would die if I did all the reading that's assigned to me every week but I'm marking the whole damn thing as finished anyway bc I'll be damned if the trillion years I spent reading Genji doesn't count for something towards my challenge!!)
December 4, 2023
Genji: 1.5, Heike: 4.
I had some problems with the way the translation was dealt with. The principal characters list could’ve been worked a little better (main subjects of many subsections of chapters were not mentioned, not translated before, or in the principal characters list/master principal characters list). I also think that the non translated chapters could have been summarized a bit better (mostly in reference to the fact that random people would just show up, be the main driving force of a subsection, die, and then be heavily mourned. Like ??? Not in the principal list but the dude is a focal point like ???). I haven’t read any other translations of these works, and I don’t know what’s common place, but this edition had some plot summary before some chapters but omitted summary before others.
My issues with the translation (phrases used like so-and-so, wishy-washy, and the sort and the aforementioned non translated chapter summaries) have me placing it a 2 stars not 3 stars.
Genji is less interesting than Heike but to be fair Heian era is less interesting than Kamakura era. Still, Genji did kidnap a child and wanna fuck her sooo…shout out Yoritomo for burying kids alive. At least their trauma was temporary.
I had some problems with the way the translation was dealt with. The principal characters list could’ve been worked a little better (main subjects of many subsections of chapters were not mentioned, not translated before, or in the principal characters list/master principal characters list). I also think that the non translated chapters could have been summarized a bit better (mostly in reference to the fact that random people would just show up, be the main driving force of a subsection, die, and then be heavily mourned. Like ??? Not in the principal list but the dude is a focal point like ???). I haven’t read any other translations of these works, and I don’t know what’s common place, but this edition had some plot summary before some chapters but omitted summary before others.
My issues with the translation (phrases used like so-and-so, wishy-washy, and the sort and the aforementioned non translated chapter summaries) have me placing it a 2 stars not 3 stars.
Genji is less interesting than Heike but to be fair Heian era is less interesting than Kamakura era. Still, Genji did kidnap a child and wanna fuck her sooo…shout out Yoritomo for burying kids alive. At least their trauma was temporary.
October 21, 2018
oof long read, old story. could be worse but not a favorite
November 10, 2018
Worst shit i've read since the scarlet letter. First part was reasonable, second part was terrible. The first part: Tale of Genji was an actual story so that was better to follow, but Tale of Heike is just a bunch of characters and random tid bits of story - hard to follow and not very interesting...
October 4, 2014
When I finished, I found that my sleeves were inexplicably soaked with tears.
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Yes to the non-Western canon. The original marriage plot novel. God I really loved this. Destined love? Yeah.
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Yes to the non-Western canon. The original marriage plot novel. God I really loved this. Destined love? Yeah.
November 5, 2023
Good insight on Japanese literature. I especially loved the female characters of the Genji, but I am joining the bandwagon of not liking Genji. Sure he thought he was a good person and had trauma, but was it really so hard to see the common denominator of the problems and literal deaths?!?? I also liked the writing style. On the other hand, the Heike was not something I would usually pick up
September 26, 2022
I read the abridged Tale of Genji for an East Asian literature class at my university and loved it. It’s a great introduction to the novel and fantastic translation. One of the best things I’ve read this year.
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May 3, 2021this is good genji translation fyi
heike is sad wish that beautiful boy did not fall off his horse rip
heike is sad wish that beautiful boy did not fall off his horse rip
July 20, 2007
Well, This is an abridged version of the "Tale of Genji", called the world's first novel. The setting is interesting, in fact it's hard to believe it's so livid considering this book is.... over a thousand years old? Is that right?
The original spans some thousand pages, and is mainly about this prince genji, a beautiful young womanizer. This version I read, however, for my asian history class, was focused on the bloody feudal war between the Genji and Heike clans, and much of it would pass off well written as fantasy today. Descriptions of bold heroes, legendary weapons, political twists, demons, and gory battles. Honestly, a very surprisingly cool read. I gave it a 4, but maybe should have given a 3 because, well, you sort of have to be in a certain mood, or of a certain mindset in the first place to enjoy it.
The original spans some thousand pages, and is mainly about this prince genji, a beautiful young womanizer. This version I read, however, for my asian history class, was focused on the bloody feudal war between the Genji and Heike clans, and much of it would pass off well written as fantasy today. Descriptions of bold heroes, legendary weapons, political twists, demons, and gory battles. Honestly, a very surprisingly cool read. I gave it a 4, but maybe should have given a 3 because, well, you sort of have to be in a certain mood, or of a certain mindset in the first place to enjoy it.
November 2, 2010
Supposedly, the Tale of Heike is the most notorious of stories in Ancient Japan... for me, it was a long read with dreary, confusing, and tedious Japanese names!! I enjoyed the Tale of Genji way more, even if its not as famous. This was written by one of the first female writers to take over literacy in a male world, but it definitely feels like a man wrote it -- props to her. I loved the intruding poems that randomly appeared... thought those were very beautiful and demonstrated the Buddhist morals that influenced the awesome Heian period.
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July 11, 2012Only read the first several chapters of the two books for a Japanese literature class. Genji seems alright, very dramatic, not sure if I'm going to pursue the rest of it, though. Heike is convoluted with many names that are hard to keep track of. I'm not a fan of war stories in the first place so I'm not likely to read any more of it.
January 3, 2009
I liked The Tale of Genji much more than I liked The Tale of the Heike. Heike had way too many characters and way too many very minor details.
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April 8, 2010Perhaps what I need is a different translation?
March 12, 2012
The joy of reading Genjimonogatari is beyond imagination.
April 9, 2017
Contrary to most readers, while I didn't read every single chapter of either books, I much preferred the Heike over the Genji, probably due to its ( admittedly shaky) historical roots. McCullough's comments are on point. I'm also glad this edition has the late 13th chapter of the Heike, which is one of my favorite among the ones I did read.
I guess it's a must read for Japanese majors but I probably would not go through it again. Too many names and quite dry. I respect the works for what they are and the monumental translation work, but yeah.
I guess it's a must read for Japanese majors but I probably would not go through it again. Too many names and quite dry. I respect the works for what they are and the monumental translation work, but yeah.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews