Derived from the journal entries of an empress's tutor and companion, this unique book offers rare glimpses of court life in 11th-century Japan. Lady Muraski, author of the fictional Tale of Genji, recounts episodes of drama and intrigue among courtiers as well as the elaborate rituals related to the birth of a prince. Her observations, expressed with great subtlety, offer penetrating and timeless insights into human nature.

Rare glimpses of the intrigues and drama of court life in 11th-century Japan as expressed by the empress's tutor and companion, who also wrote the fictional Tale of Genji.