A wreath of cloud: Being the third part of 'The tale of Genji': Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
A wreath of cloud: Being the third part of 'The tale of Genji': author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
A wreath of cloud: Being the third part of 'The tale of Genji' is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Murasaki Shikibu. The listed translation credits are Waley, Arthur (1889–1966).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
“A wreath of cloud : Being the third part of 'The tale of Genji'” by Lady Murasaki (translated by Arthur Waley) is a classic novel written in the early 11th century. The book is a segment of the famous Japanese literary masterpiece "The Tale of Genji," widely regarded as one of the world's earliest novels. Focused on the intricate life of Prince Genji and those around him, this part continues exploring romantic, familial, and political themes within the upper echelons of Heian-period court society. Main characters include Genji himself, his wives and children, and other members of the imperial household. The opening of "A wreath of cloud" details the emotional struggle of the Lady of Akashi, who must part with her beloved child so Genji can secure a more prestigious future for the girl at court, under the care of Lady Murasaki. The narrative delves into the pain, uncertainty, and social pressures surrounding this decision, reflecting the complex dynamics of rank and relationships. The story then shifts to significant court events—deaths, spiritual disturbances, and the revelation of secret parentage—focusing on loss, the weight of duty, and the ever-present tension between personal emotion and societal obligation in Genji’s world. Through these episodes, the opening sets a melancholic yet richly atmospheric tone, highlighting the emotional depth and cultural detail that characterize the larger work.
Book and edition facts
- Title: A wreath of cloud: Being the third part of 'The tale of Genji'
- Author credits: Murasaki Shikibu
- Catalogue language: English
- Translator credits: Waley, Arthur (1889–1966)
Catalogue subjects
- Aristocracy (Social class) -- Japan -- Fiction
- Hikaru Genji (Fictitious character) -- Fiction
- Japan -- Court and courtiers -- Fiction
- Japan -- Social life and customs -- To 1600 -- Fiction
- Japanese fiction -- To 1600 -- Translations into English
- Man-woman relationships -- Fiction
- Princes -- Japan -- Fiction
- Psychological fiction
- Romance fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Classics of Literature
- Category: Novels
Read this edition
View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
Sources
More in Books & Authors
Keep reading
