The Tale of Genji – Book Review

The Tale of Genji Author | Murasaki ShikibuLifespan | b. c. 973 (Japan), d. c. 1014First Published | 11th centuryOriginal Language | JapaneseOriginal Title | Genji Monogatari The Tale of Genji is the earliest work of prose fiction still read for pleasure by a substantial audience today. Written at least in part by Murasaki Shikibu, … Continue reading The Tale of Genji – Book Review →

The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter – Book Review

The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter Author | AnonymousOriginal Language | JapaneseFirst Published | 10th centuryAlternate Title | The Tale of Princess KaguyaOriginal Title | Taketori Monogatari The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter is referred to in The Tale of Genji as the “ancestor of all romances.” It is also the oldest surviving Japanese work … Continue reading The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter – Book Review →

The Thousand and One Nights – Book Review

The Thousand and One Nights Author | AnonymousOriginal Title | Alf laylah wa laylahOriginal Language | ArabicFirst Published | c. 850Source | from Hazar Afsanah (A Thousand Tales) The tales that make up the collection known to us as The Thousand and One Nights are some of the most powerful, resonant works of fiction in … Continue reading The Thousand and One Nights – Book Review →