Murasaki Shikibu

(born &circa; 978, Kyōto, Japan) Japanese writer. Her real name is unknown, and the primary source of knowledge about her life is a diary she kept (1007–10).

Her Tale of Genji (completed &circa; 1010) is a long and complex tale, concerned mostly with the loves of Prince Genji and the women in his life. Supremely sensitive to human emotions and the beauties of nature, it provides delightful glimpses of life at the court of the empress Jōtō mon'in, whom Murasaki served. It is generally considered the greatest work of Japanese literature and perhaps the world's first novel.