The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu, is a classic Japanese novel from the Heian period. Set in the Japanese feudal era, it follows the life and romantic exploits of the protagonist, Genji. This epic tale explores themes of love, beauty, and the complexities of court life. With its richly detailed descriptions and poetic language, The Tale of Genji is considered one of the greatest works of Japanese literature.