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Oct 01, 1996 | ISBN 9780140435764 Buy
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Oct 01, 1996 | ISBN 9780140435764
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.
Murasaki Shikibu, born in 978, was a member of Japan’s Fujiwara clan, which ruled behind the scenes during the Heian Period by providing the brides and courtesans of all the emperors. Lady Murasaki’s rare literary talent, particularly her skill as… More about Murasaki Shikibu
PrefaceA Note on Japanese Names and Dates IntroductionCultural background The author The diary THE DIARY OF LADY MURASAKIAppendix I: Ground-plans and MapAppendix II: Additional SourcesA Guide to Further Reading
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