Murasaki Shikibu
A Japanese novelist, poet, and lady-in-waiting at the Imperial court during the Heian period. She is widely credited as the author of The Tale of Genji, considered by many to be the world's first novel. Her work provides an intimate and detailed portrayal of court life, aristocratic manners, and complex emotional relationships in 11th-century Japan, offering invaluable insights into the cultural and social history of the era.
Often considered the world’s first novel, The Tale of Genji follows the romantic and political life of Prince Genji in the Heian-era Japanese court. Written in the 11th century by noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu, it explores themes of love, impermanence, and societal duty. With intricate characters and poetic prose, it offers a vivid glimpse into courtly life, aesthetics, and gender roles in classical Japan. A literary masterpiece of both historical and emotional depth.