The Tale of Genji: Volumes 1-54

What it is

This is a printed set of The Tale of Genji, made in Kyoto around 1654 using woodblock printing. It includes all 54 chapters of the novel plus six extra volumes of commentary, a genealogy of characters, a sequel written by a later author, and an index.

Why it matters

Murasaki Shikibu wrote the original story around the start of the 11th century, but this edition shows how her work was still being read, studied and expanded nearly 650 years later. It reveals how much later readers valued and worked to understand her novel.

Look closer

• Why might later readers have added commentary and a genealogy to the novel?
• What does the care taken in printing this book tell you about its importance in Japan?
• What is missing from a printed book that a handwritten manuscript might show us?