---
product_id: 264658642
title: "The Tale of Genji (Penguin Classics)"
price: "NT$1450"
currency: TWD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 5
url: https://www.desertcart.tw/products/264658642-the-tale-of-genji-penguin-classics
store_origin: TW
region: Taiwan
---

# Rich courtly life & complex characters World's first novel, 11th century classic Poetic, true-to-original translation The Tale of Genji (Penguin Classics)

**Price:** NT$1450
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 📚 Unlock the epic saga that shaped storytelling forever!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** The Tale of Genji (Penguin Classics)
- **How much does it cost?** NT$1450 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.tw](https://www.desertcart.tw/products/264658642-the-tale-of-genji-penguin-classics)

## Best For

- Customers looking for quality international products

## Why This Product

- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Focused Early Chapters:** Engage with Genji’s youthful triumphs in a deftly abridged edition perfect for new readers.
- • **Expertly Crafted Translation:** Royall Tyler’s poetic rendition balances authenticity with modern readability.
- • **Immersive Historical Portrait:** Experience the vivid, intricate court life of medieval Japan like never before.
- • **Timeless Literary Masterpiece:** Dive into the world’s first novel, a cornerstone of global literature.
- • **Critically Acclaimed & Beloved:** Join thousands of readers who rate this classic 4.4 stars for its enduring beauty.

## Overview

The Tale of Genji (Penguin Classics) is a masterful abridged edition of the world’s first novel, written in the 11th century. This edition features Royall Tyler’s acclaimed poetic translation, focusing on the early chapters that vividly depict the life and loves of Genji, the Shining Prince. Celebrated for its rich portrayal of medieval Japanese court life, this classic continues to captivate readers with its timeless narrative and cultural significance.

## Description

Written in the eleventh century, this exquisite portrait of courtly life in medieval Japan is widely celebrated as the world's first novel - and is certainly one of its finest. Genji, the Shining Prince, son of an emperor, is a passionate character whose tempestuous nature, family circumstances, love affairs, alliances, and shifting political fortunes form the core of this magnificent epic. Royall Tyler's superb translation is detailed, poetic, and true to the Japanese original while allowing the English reader to appreciate its timeless beauty. In this deftly abridged edition, Tyler focuses on the early chapters, which vividly evoke Genji as a young man and leave him at his first moment of triumph.

Review: Five Stars - Thanks.
Review: The Tale of Genji - Voilà un livre exceptionnel riche en beauté, en poésie, en couleurs, en musique et d'une écriture fine. Je vais le relire car c'est un livre dont on ne se lasse pas. Un très grand classique que je ne peux pas recommander suffisamment. Bernice Dubois

## Features

- Penguin Books
- The Tale of Genji (Penguin Classics)

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #105,866 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #219 in Asian Literature #275 in Literary Criticism & Theory #1,177 in Psychological Thrillers |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 186 Reviews |

## Images

![The Tale of Genji (Penguin Classics) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Eu1NSwr3L.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five Stars
*by K***N on 14 August 2014*

Thanks.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Tale of Genji
*by B***S on 10 October 2013*

Voilà un livre exceptionnel riche en beauté, en poésie, en couleurs, en musique et d'une écriture fine. Je vais le relire car c'est un livre dont on ne se lasse pas. Un très grand classique que je ne peux pas recommander suffisamment. Bernice Dubois

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Book, Quick Shipment!
*by S***T on 5 October 2014*

This is a must-read for anyone interested in Classical literature, and Japanese history and traditional culture. Great shipping quality, sent right on time!

## Frequently Bought Together

- The Tale of Genji (Penguin Classics)
- The Pillow Book (Penguin Classics)
- The Tale of the Heike (Penguin Classics)

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*Product available on Desertcart Taiwan*
*Store origin: TW*
*Last updated: 2026-10-21*