The Tale of Genji: Scenes from the World's First Novel (Illustrated Japanese Classics)
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
The fourth in this series of illustrated Japanese classics featuring the cut-out (kire-e) artwork of Masayuki Miyata, "The Tale of Genji" again combines Miyata's captivating paper cut-outs with a modern retelling of a vintage story. This well-known tale of the amorous adventures of Prince Genji is widely considered world literature's first novel, and with its precise and poetic prose, it is also considered one of its finest.
Written with precision by a lady of the Japanese court, Genji's Don Juan-like clandestine rendezvous with lovers in their perfumed boudoirs or on mossy moonlit garden paths, continues to intrigue lovers of literature. What sets Genji apart from the typically carefree playboy is the intensity of his emotional attachment for each of his lovers. Long after an affair has ended, Genji continues to cherish the encounter. His is an age-old tale, as well as a poignant and brilliant portrait of Japan's ancient court life.
About the Author
Masayuki Miyata (1926-97), paper cut-out artist, was discovered by the distinguished writer Tanizaki Jun'ichiro and went on to create his own distinct realm in kiri-e (cut-out illustrations). In 1995, Miyata was selected from among contemporary artists worldwide to be the UN's official artist. Miyata's representative works include illustrations for The Narrow Road to Oku, Love Songs from the Manyo'shu and The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.
The Tale of Genji: Scenes from the World's First Novel (Illustrated Japanese Classics),Murasaki Shikibu,Donald Keene,Masayuki Miyata,Setouchi Jakucho,H. MacK Horton,Kodansha International (JPN),4770027729,Classics,Fiction,Literary,Literature - Classics / Criticism,Other prose: classical, early & medieval
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