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Shikibu, Murusaki.
The Tale of Genji. [2 volume boxed set]
Publisher: Folio Society, London;
Date of Publication: 2016
Stock Code: 12807
First thus. Octavo, pp. xl, [2], 605, [1]; viii, [2], [606]-1250. 54 colour plates (33 to Vol I and 21 to Vol II) by Tosa Mitsunobu from the Harvard Art Museum’s “Tale of Genji”album, plus numerous illustrations throughout text, and five maps and diagrams redrawn by Neil Gower. Both volumes in the publishers’ quarter beige art silk with black titles and gilt foliate design to spine, over scarlet cloth boards with gilt titles to upper board and foliate design in brown and orange. Top edges gilt. Housed in brown paper-covered slipcase with repeat of the foliate design in orange to single face. Both volumes clean and bright with no annotation or inscriptions. Slipcase lightly scuffed to upper edge. A near fine set in near fine slipcase. Classic work written by noblewoman and poet Murusaki Shikibu in the early eleventh century, depicting courtly life in the Heian period. Translated from the Japanese by Royall Taylor, this text follows the 2003 Penguin Books Edition with minor emendations. Heavyweight so a contribution towards increased postage costs will be requested for overseas delivery. £280.00