Genji Monogatari

"Genji Monogatari" (The Tale of Genji), written in early 11th-century Japan by Murasaki Shikibu, is a pioneering work of literature often considered the world's first novel. It depicts the life, love, and political intrigues of Hikaru Genji, a nobleman of the Heian court. Through detailed characterizations and poetic language, the story explores themes of beauty, desire, and the fleeting nature of life. The work provides deep insight into Heian-era aristocratic society and human emotions, making it a timeless masterpiece that bridges history, psychology, and literature.