Tale of Genji, the world's oldest known novel, tells the story of Prince Genji and his adventures in life, love, and power within the halls of the Chrysanthemum Royal Court. Handsome, romantic, and talented in the art of seduction, Prince Genji skillfully navigates the court and all its intrigues--always in search of love and often finding it. His story is the oldest and most famous tale of romance in the annals of Japanese literature and, as a representation of passion and romance, remains beyond compare.

In this beautifully illustrated edition, Genji's story comes alive as readers experience:

• His birth in the royal court to Kiritsubo, who comes to represent Genji's ideal of female beauty and grace.
• His lifelong obsession with Fujitsubo, one of the emperor's lovers and mother to Genji's son Ryozen.
• His romantic life with Murasaki, Fujitsubo's beautiful niece and Genji's favored lover. Though wary of his motivations at first, she becomes the true love of Genji's life.