The Tale of Genji

by Murasaki Shikibu • 1976

Set in 11th century Japan, the work recounts the life of a son of a Japanese emperor, known to readers as Hikaru Genji, or "Shining Genji". For political reasons, Genji is relegated to commoner status (by being given the surname Minamoto) and begins a career as an imperial officer. The tale concentrates on Genji's romantic life and describes the customs of the aristocratic society of the time. --Wikipedia.com.