| | ipedia.com: Japanese literature Article (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-01) |
 | | The Tale of Genji (early 11th century) by Murasaki Shikibu is arguably the most famous work in all of Japanese literature, and is considered by many to be the first novel in Japan, if not the world. |
 | | Other important works of this period include the Kokin Wakashu (905) and The Pillow Book (990s), the latter written by Murasaki Shikibu's contemporary and rival, Sei Shonagon and written about the life, love, and pastimes of nobles in the Emperor's court. |
 | | The iroha poem was also written during this period, becoming the standard order for the Japanese syllabary until 19th century Meiji era reforms. |
| www.ipedia.com /japanese_literature.html (1041 words) |