| − | '''''The Tale of Genji''''' is a Japanese novel about a self-centered, womanizing prince in the Heian period (794-1195). It was written in the eleventh century by [[Lady Murasaki]], who was well acquainted with life in the imperial court. Although fictional, it understood to be an accurate representation of aristocratic life at the court in Kyoto around the year 1000.<ref>[http://www.dartmouth.edu/~arth17/Genji.html]</ref> | + | '''''The Tale of Genji''''' is a Japanese novel about a self-centered, womanizing prince in the Heian period (794-1195). It was written in the eleventh century by [[Lady Murasaki]], who was well acquainted with life in the imperial court. Although fictional, it understood to be an accurate representation of aristocratic life at the court in Kyoto around the year 1000.<ref>[http://www.dartmouth.edu/~arth17/Genji.html]</ref> The book is considered to be the first novel. It is more than twice as long as ''War and Peace''. |