Uncovering Genji: A Reader’s Guide to Murasaki Shikibu’s The Tale of Genji
By Erick DuPree
Unlock the secrets of the world’s first novel.
Written over a millennium ago, The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu is often called the world’s first psychological novel—rich, intricate, and deeply layered. Yet for many readers today, navigating its complex characters, courtly customs, and subtle politics can feel overwhelming.
Uncovering Genji is part of the Notes On A Classic™ Series, designed to make extraordinary literature accessible to modern readers. In this comprehensive guide, cultural anthropologist Erick DuPree provides essential tools to explore, understand, and appreciate The Tale of Genji with confidence.
Inside Uncovering Genji, you’ll find:
Detailed chapter-by-chapter summaries of the most widely studied sections
Thematic commentaries exploring critical motifs like Women and Sexual Politics, Nature, and the Dynamics of Power
Character guides to navigate Genji’s expansive and intricate cast
Historical timelines and background on Murasaki Shikibu’s life and the Heian court
Cross-referenced notes connecting cultural references, literary symbolism, and historical context
Whether you are reading The Tale of Genji for the first time or returning to it with new eyes, Uncovering Genji offers a clear, thoughtful companion to one of literature’s greatest masterpieces.