Novelist · 973 – 1014

Murasaki Shikibu

Wrote The Tale of Genji, a sprawling and psychologically rich novel of court life that is widely regarded as the first novel ever written and the supreme classic of Japanese literature.

Major Works

  • The Tale of Genji
  • The Diary of Lady Murasaki

Impact Analysis

Murasaki Shikibu created, centuries ahead of Europe, a long fictional narrative of psychological depth, founding the tradition of the novel and the canon of Japanese literature.

Historical influence score: 80/100

Accomplishments for Murasaki Shikibu are being compiled.