

#4698
Mentioned in 6 episodes
The Tale of Genji
Book • 1010
Written in the 11th century, 'The Tale of Genji' is a comprehensive narrative that explores the life of Prince Genji, the 'Shining Prince', against the backdrop of Japan's Heian period.
The novel delves into Genji's numerous romantic entanglements, personal struggles, and the societal expectations he faces.
It is a rich tapestry of themes including love, fleeting beauty, and the complexities of relationships defined by honor, desire, and tragedy.
The story also provides a detailed insight into the culture of the aristocracy in early Heian Japan, including its forms of entertainment, daily life, and moral code.
The novel is known for its poetic and aesthetic elements, incorporating over 800 waka poems, and its exploration of human emotions and the transience of life.
The novel delves into Genji's numerous romantic entanglements, personal struggles, and the societal expectations he faces.
It is a rich tapestry of themes including love, fleeting beauty, and the complexities of relationships defined by honor, desire, and tragedy.
The story also provides a detailed insight into the culture of the aristocracy in early Heian Japan, including its forms of entertainment, daily life, and moral code.
The novel is known for its poetic and aesthetic elements, incorporating over 800 waka poems, and its exploration of human emotions and the transience of life.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 6 episodes
Mentioned by 

and 

as a seminal work of Japanese literature, offering insights into the Heian period.


Dominic Sandbrook


Tom Holland

250 snips
560. The Golden Age of Japan: Lady Murasaki and the Shining Prince (Part 1)
Mentioned by 

and 

as a great Japanese classic written around the same time as "The Pillow Book".


Dominic Sandbrook


Tom Holland

192 snips
561. The Golden Age of Japan: Secrets of the Imperial Court (Part 2)
Mentioned by 

as a book he read in Japan, highlighting its similarities to 11th-century Christian literature.


Tom Holland

57 snips
#406 - The Legacy of Christianity
Mentioned by 

when discussing the world into which samurai were born.


Christopher Harding

24 snips
The Samurai
Mentioned by 

among other East Asian books he enjoys.


Walter Russell Mead

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277: Japan: Samurai and Shoguns
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Learning English Podcast - November 21, 2024
Mentioned by 

when discussing Japanese culture.


Leo Flowers

Talking to Feel: Pillow Talk, Couch Talk, and Kitchen Talk Reimagined
Mentioned by 

as a book he read in Japan, highlighting its similarities to 11th-century Christian literature.


Tom Holland

#406 - The Legacy of Christianity
Mentioned by 

as an example of what is possible when we're able to hear more directly from women at this time.


Eleanor Janega

What are the High Middle Ages?