Extremely Rare The Tale of Genji By Murasaki Shikibu Annotated by Tokuhei Yamagishi Iwanami Bunko, Complete 6 Volumes All volumes with obi (paper bands) First editions published from 1965 (Showa 40) to 1967 Books for sale (19th to 25th printings, published from 1983 to 1988) Size: Paperback Average 388 pages per volume A classic work that one wants to savor in the original text. The annotations by the eminent scholar Dr. Yamagishi are particularly well-crafted for understanding the context. This is the old Iwanami Bunko edition, with old kana usage and old kanji forms, which is arguably better for appreciating the original text (personal opinion). Published nearly 40 years ago, there is some aging evident, such as yellowing on the top, bottom, and side edges, as well as the covers. However, there are no markings. Some of the obi have tears. Of course, it's the original text, with detailed furigana (reading aids) and annotations. Tokuhei Yamagishi's annotations are highly regarded, and this is considered a standard edition of The Tale of Genji. It truly represents the quintessential approach to The Tale of Genji (personal opinion). It is considered a must-read book for Japanese people. As it is a six-volume paperback, it is also convenient to carry around. Please understand that these are used items, and refer to the attached photos for details on the overall condition. The books will be protected with a PP bag and cushioning material, and shipped anonymously. In addition to this book, I also have CDs and books (including English editions) and first editions, mainly novels, so please take a look if you are interested. (Reference) "The Tale of Genji" (English: The Tale of Genji) is a long Japanese narrative and novel completed in the mid-Heian period. It consists of 54 chapters, with the first appearance in literature being in 1008 (Kanko 5), and it was illustrated as the "Tale of Genji Picture Scroll" in the late Heian period. The author, Murasaki Shikibu, was one of the best waka poets in the mid-Heian period and a poet in the "Hyakunin Isshu" (One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each) and "Nyobo Sanjurokkasen" (Thirty-Six Immortal Poets). Her great-grandfather's daughter, Kushi of Fujiwara, was the consort of Emperor Daigo and the mother of Imperial Prince Akihira. The poem "Though a parent's heart is not in darkness, I am lost on the path of thinking of my child," which is quoted in the story, is said to have been dedicated to Emperor Daigo by Kushi when she first entered the court, worrying about whether she would be favored. The Tale of Genji is the only narrative work that Murasaki Shikibu left in her lifetime. The story follows the life of Genji, as he seeks to regain power while interacting with the Fujiwara clan. Its glory and decline. The protagonist, Hikaru Genji, the female protagonists, Fujitsubo and Lady Murasaki, and even the figure and consciousness of Suetsumuhana, who is the object of ridicule, are shaped as Genji and members of the Imperial family.