The Tale of Genji
The Tale of Genji is a Japanese prose narrative by Murasaki Shikibu, a lady-in-waiting at the Heian court, largely complete by about 1021. It follows Hikaru Genji, an emperor's son made a commoner. Arthur Waley's English version appeared in six volumes from 1925 to 1933.
- Editions tracked
- 2
The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu was first published in 1010. We track 2 editions.
Which edition do you have?
Editions
- Houghton Mifflin1925 Hardback I own The Tale of Genji, Houghton Mifflin 1925 Log in to want this
- George Allen & Unwin1925 Hardback I own The Tale of Genji, George Allen & Unwin 1925 Log in to want this
We have not yet researched the issue points for this book. If you know how to tell the first from later printings, tell us and we will credit you once it is checked against a second source.
Awards, adaptations and setting
Adaptations
- The Tale of Genji film, 1987
- Agemachi (Trefoil Knots), Tale of Genji: Chapter 47 adaptation
- Buyū nazorae genji adaptation
- Eight Views of the Tale of Genji adaptation
- Genji Monogatari comic
- Genji Monogatari Emaki adaptation
- Genji Monogatari Sennenki television series
- Genji kumo ukiyoe awase adaptation
- Genji-e adaptation
- Mume ga e (A Branch of Plum), Tale of Genji: Chapter 32 adaptation
- Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji adaptation
- Tale of Genji in 54 Chapters adaptation
Setting and characters
- Characters
- Hikaru Genji, Kiritsubo Emperor, Kiritsubo Consort, Lady Fujitsubo, Aoi no Ue, Reizei Emperor, Murasaki no Ue, Suzaku Emperor
- Genre
- tsukuri monogatari, monogatari, romance novel
In print
- Editions recorded
- 122 on Open Library, 64 in English
- Wikipedia
- Articles in 108 languages
From Wikidata and Open Library, both CC0. A prize or a new adaptation often lifts demand for the first printing.
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How to Identify a First Edition
To identify a first edition, check that your copy is the first printing of the first edition. Read the copyright …
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For most books published since the 1920s, the original dust jacket carries a large share of the value, often most …
Read the guide →Frequently asked questions
How many editions of The Tale of Genji are there?
We track 2 editions of The Tale of Genji. Each has its own page with how to identify it.
Has The Tale of Genji been adapted?
Yes, including Agemachi (Trefoil Knots), Tale of Genji: Chapter 47 (adaptation), Buyū nazorae genji (adaptation), Eight Views of the Tale of Genji (adaptation), according to Wikidata.
When was The Tale of Genji first published?
The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu was first published in 1010.
Where these facts come from
- The Tale of Genji, Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)
- Arthur Waley, Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)
Every fact on this page was checked against the sources listed. Checked 18 October 2026. Reviewed by Harriet Ellis; read how we check facts.
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