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The Tale of Genji, Volume 1

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The Tale of Genji, Volume 1

By: Murasaki Shikibu, Dennis Washburn - translator
Narrated by: Brian Nishii
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Murasaki Shikibu, born into the middle ranks of the aristocracy during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), wrote The Tale of Genji, widely considered the world's first novel, during the early years of the 11th century. Expansive, compelling, and sophisticated in its representation of ethical concerns and aesthetic ideals, Murasaki's tale came to occupy a central place in Japan's remarkable history of artistic achievement and is now recognized as a masterpiece of world literature.

The Tale of Genji is presented here in a flowing new translation for contemporary listeners, who will discover in its depiction of the culture of the imperial court the rich complexity of human experience that simultaneously resonates with and challenges their own. Washburn embeds annotations for accessibility and clarity and renders the poetry into triplets to create prosodic analogues of the original.

©2015 Dennis Washburn (translation) (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Classics Fiction Genre Fiction China
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Amazing piece of literature given how long ago it was written and a fascinating view into another culture from a distance of a thousand years.
Narration was perfect for this, even if some English pronunciations were slightly unusual.

Oh Genji, keep it in your pants!

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Unlike some other translations (Royall Tyler’s in particular) this one puts a lot of explanation into the main text. It makes it easier to understand what’s happening, but also harder to appreciate the beautiful writing. Moments like the start of chapter 15, which are so carefully structured to slowly reveal the state of the hitachi princess’s life are clogged up with small explanations here and there. It’s still genji, but with a little less zing to it than other versions

Beautiful, but bloated

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A thousand-year-old masterpiece does not need too much introduction. The reason of review is to state 2 things (1) this is the BEST translation (2) Brian Nishii is the BEST voice artist. Please Mr. Nishii, read us more Japanese literature!

Beginning of World Literature

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It opens a world where the art of subtle considerations is key to success

Riveting

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This translation and narration makes a story I suspect I would have found rather difficult much more accessible. The translation is lively and flows well. I found I really had to pay attention, but, though in some ways tricky, the story of Genji and the women he had an interestingly varied range of relationships with was worth it. Brian Nishii’s narration was really suitable and atmospheric.

Translation and narration make accessible

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