Written by the daughter of aJapanesenoble, this11th century work of fictionchronicles the life & romantic exploits of the handsome son of theEmperor& his concubine during theHeian period.The title,Murasaki Shikibu’s The Tale of Genji, part ofChelsea House Publishers’ Modern Critical Interpretations series, presents the most important 20th-century criticism onMurasaki Shikibu’s The Tale of Genjithrough extracts of critical essays by well-known literary critics. This collection of criticism also features a short biography onMurasaki Shikibu, a chronology of the author’s life, and an introductory essay written byHarold Bloom, Sterling Professor of the Humanities, Yale University.Lady Murasaki Shikibu, born in the year978, was a member of the famedFujiwara clan--one of the most influential families of theHeian period. Her literary ability quickly won her a place in the entourage of theEmpress Akiko. After the death of her husband,Murasaki Shikibuimmersed herself inBuddhism, & the religion's influences permeate her writing.