Reading Genji

The Tale of Genji, recommended reading for all, our reviewer mentions two translations.  I have not read the one he/she seems to favor

Comments

  1. FredJune 24, 2010 at 2:13 AM

    Steven,

    I've had a copy for several years now but have been afraid to tackle it--1100+ pages is daunting.

    I have a different version. Mine is possibly the first translation of the work ever made into English. I say this because it is the Modern Library Edition and the translation is by Arthur Waley, who was the first to translate many Japanese and Chinese works into poetry.

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  2. StevenJune 24, 2010 at 7:35 AM

    Dear Fred,

    I've read Arthur Waley's translation, and while it is somewhat stilted and old-languagey by today's standards, it is still a serviceable telling of the tale. Seidenstricker's is magnificent, and there was one further mentioned that I thought I might have to look at because of the notes.

    A nice accompaniment to this is the Diary of Lady Murasaki, which sheds some light on common practices and court life of the time.

    Read, enjoy--it is long, but read in and amongst others, it provides zip, zest, flavor.

    shalom,

    Steven

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  3. FredJune 24, 2010 at 8:39 PM

    Steven,

    I've read several of Waley's translations, so his style might not bother me that much, once I actually get into it.

    I hadn't heard of her Diary. Thanks for the information.

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