{"product_id":"9780231537209","title":"Reading The Tale of Genji: Sources from the First Millennium","description":"\u003cp\u003eWritten one thousand years ago,  \u003ci\u003eThe Tale of Genji\u003c\/i\u003e is a masterpiece of Japanese literature, often regarded as its best prose fiction. Read, commented on, and reimagined by poets, scholars, dramatists, artists, and novelists, the tale has left a legacy as rich and reflective as the work itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe most comprehensive record of  \u003ci\u003eThe Tale of Genj\u003c\/i\u003ei's reception to date, this sourcebook presents a range of landmark texts relating to the work during its first millennium, almost all of which are translated into English for the first time. An introduction prefaces each set of documents, situating them within the tradition of Japanese literature and cultural history. These texts provide a fascinating glimpse into Japanese views of literature, poetry, imperial politics, and the place of art and women in society. Selections include a recorded conversation among court ladies gossiping about their favorite  \u003ci\u003eGenji\u003c\/i\u003e characters and scenes; learned exegetical commentary; a vigorous debate over  \u003ci\u003eGenji\u003c\/i\u003e's moral concerns; and an impassioned defense of  \u003ci\u003eGenji\u003c\/i\u003e's ability to enhance Japan's standing among the twentieth century's community of nations. Taken together, these documents reflect Japan's fraught history with vernacular texts, particularly those written by women.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Columbia University Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47111550894320,"sku":"9780231537209","price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9780231537209_p0.jpg?v=1763679558","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9780231537209","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}