The Tales of Ise

**One of the three seminal works of Japanese literature, a beautiful collection of poems and tales that offers an unparalleled insight into ancient Japan

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Along with the *Tale of Genji *and *One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each*, the *Tales of Ise *may be considered one of the three most important works of Japanese literature. A poem-tale collection from the early Heian period, the narrative is loosely composed around a series of stories spanning the period from a man's youth to his death, and offers deep insight into the world of courtly love in ancient Japan.