Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji, Version 2)

Murasaki Shikibu (978 - c 1025)
Translated by Suematsu Kencho (1855 - 1920)

Genji Monogatari, or The Tale of Genji, is a Japanese classic novel from the eleventh century. Supposedly commissioned by members of the Imperial Family, it tells the story of the son of the Emperor's favorite concubine and his role as a privileged boy and man, but not quite recognized as royal. He is placed in a loveless marriage, but continues a number of 'friendships' with the women of the court. This translation brings us the first seventeen chapters, and there is some dispute over the authorship of later (not included) chapters. The book gives us a fascinating insight into court life of the period. - Summary by Lynne Thompson

Genre(s): Culture & Heritage Fiction, Fictional Biographies & Memoirs, Romance

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 00 Introduction by the Translator Lynne T
00:18:00
Play 01 Kiri-Tsubo (The Chamber of Kiri) Lynne T
00:39:23
Play 02 Hahaki-Gi (The Broom-Like Tree) Part 1 Lynne T
00:39:48
Play 03 Hahaki-Gi (The Broom-Like Tree) Part 2 Lynne T
00:40:01
Play 04 Wootz-Semi (Beautiful Cicada) Lynne T
00:14:51
Play 05 Yugao (Evening Glory) Lynne T
01:01:33
Play 06 Waka-Murasaki (Young Violet) Lynne T
00:55:14
Play 07 Suyetsu-Hana (Saffron Flower) Lynne T
00:38:28
Play 08 Momiji-Ga (Maple Fete) Lynne T
00:20:41
Play 09 Hana-No-Yen (Flower Feast) Lynne T
00:08:53
Play 10 Aoi (Hollyhock) Lynne T
00:22:10
Play 11 Sakaki (Divine Tree) Lynne T
00:08:35
Play 12 Hanachi-Sato (Villa of Falling Flowers) Lynne T
00:02:35
Play 13 Suma (Exile at Suma) Lynne T
00:34:37
Play 14 Akashi (Exile at Akashi) Lynne T
00:21:44
Play 15 Myo-Tzkushi (The Beacon) Lynne T
00:14:05
Play 16 Yomogi-Bu (Overgrown Mugwort) Lynne T
00:13:55
Play 17 Sekiya (Barrier House) Lynne T
00:05:45
Play 18 Ye-Awase (Competitive Show of Pictures) Lynne T
00:21:34