The Tale of Genji, Norton Critical Editions, 1st EditionThis Norton Critical Edition includes: Dennis Washburn's acclaimed and unabridged translation of Murasaki Shikibu's eleventh century literary masterpiece, widely considered the world's first novel. Editorial matter by Dennis Washburn. Fourteen background selections from the eleventh century The Daughter of Sugawara no Takasue to Virginia Woolf carefully selected to increase the reader's understanding and appreciation of this nuanced and vibrant work.