#3944
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.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 6 episodes

Mentioned by Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland as a seminal work of Japanese literature, offering insights into the Heian period.
240 snips
560. The Golden Age of Japan: Lady Murasaki and the Shining Prince (Part 1)
Mentioned by Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland as a great Japanese classic written around the same time as "The Pillow Book".
180 snips
561. The Golden Age of Japan: Secrets of the Imperial Court (Part 2)
Mentioned by Tom Holland as a book he read in Japan, highlighting its similarities to 11th-century Christian literature.
57 snips
#406 - The Legacy of Christianity
Mentioned by Christopher Harding when discussing the world into which samurai were born.
24 snips
The Samurai
Mentioned by Walter Russell Mead among other East Asian books he enjoys.
18 snips
Trump's Establishment Russia Policy
Mentioned by Dr. Chris Harding as the first person worth talking about in 7th century Japan.
11 snips
277: Japan: Samurai and Shoguns
Mentioned when discussing the history of sake brewing in Japan.
Learning English Podcast - November 21, 2024
Mentioned by Tom Holland as a book he read in Japan, highlighting its similarities to 11th-century Christian literature.
#406 - The Legacy of Christianity
Mentioned by Eleanor Janega as an example of what is possible when we're able to hear more directly from women at this time.
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