World's First Novel, Novelist

Murasaki Shikibu

Love, intrigue, lust and adventure are all ingredients of a bestselling novel. One such book with these elements thrilled readers almost one thousand years ago. The Tale of Genji, is considered by many to be the first novel in the world. It was written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu.

* I remember borrowing this book from the library some years ago. Didn't finish it (but I'd like to add it to my collection -- next purchase...).

Lady Murasaki's real name is unknown. Murasaki Shikibu roughly translates to "Lavender Secretary". The main source of knowledge about her life is the diary she kept between 1007 and 1010.

The novel is generally regarded as the greatest work of Japanese literature.



The Tale of Genji captures the image of a unique society of refined aristocrats, who were skilled in poetry, music, calligraphy, and courtship. Much of it is concerned with the loves of Hikaru Genji (the shining prince) and the different women in his life. Though the novel does not contain scenes of dramatic action, it is written with an exquisite sensitivity to human emotions. Genji is also very concerned with cultivating a beautiful and elegant lifestyle, a principle called miyabi.

The Tale of Genji continues to have cultural prominence in Japan. Images of its characters grace everything from tee-shirts to stationary, and manga and anime versions of the famous love story have been produced. It is required reading in all Japanese high schools.

Most recently, a new 2000 yen note was produced. One side features an image of Murasaki Shikibu.

References: World's First Novelist, Genji.

Shakespeare's Den

Smart Gifts for Intelligent People

I absolutely love this huge website (their storefront header is spiffy too!).

Shakespeare's Den can easily boast about having the largest collection of Shakespeare related gifts and merchandise, available on the internet.

Classics and hot favourites include The Shakespeare’s Quips, Cusses, and Curses Quiz Deck, and in fact, there's an entire section of products devoted to Shakepeare's Insults.

Here are some of the insults featured on the Shakespeare's Insults T-shirt:

* You scullion! You rampallian! You fustilarian!
* False of heart, light of ear, bloody of hand
* Idol of idiot-worshippers
* I do desire we may be better strangers

The food products (like mints and teas) come in very attractive, charming packaging that any Shakespeare fan would appreciate.

You can even search for gifts based on the plays - Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, King Lear, and so on.

Gifts like the hilarious "To Pee, or Not To Pee" baby bodysuit is a simplified version of the epic quotation, suitably so for the much younger crowds.

Shakespeare Journal

Bibliophile Bullpen: Shakespeare Journal

Available for $9.49, this is a savvy-looking Shakespeare Journal you can get for booklovers, and/or people who are into writing.

The Wire-O bound, 160-page journal is unlined and measures 5" x 8" (12.7cm x 20.32cm), a handy on-the-go size that fits in a bag or backpack. Go creative and let the muse (in the form of The Bard himself, perhaps?) flow.

Product Details:

* Back cover is made of thin black flexible textured plastic
* Front cover made of 12pt glossy paper, coated for scratch resistance
* Filled with 60lb bookweight (24 lb bond) blank paper - no lines

This journal is sold online at Bibliophile Bullpen.

Bibliophile Bullpen is in association with SicPress.com, which stocks a diverse catalog of supplies for cleaning and repairing used books.

Poetry of John Keats

I am someone who loves to read. I wonder what some of the greatest writers would have to say about our digital amenities like TV, the Net, YouTube, etc.

Anyhow, I have always believed in the remarkable power of the written word and poetry especially (save for a few turbulent years of my teenage life, but I'll elaborate more on that another time).



The Complete Poems of John Keats (Modern Library) is intensely and divinely romantic. I still remember the first time I read the poem, Bright Star, Would I Were Steadfast as Thou Art. It still is a sheer delight to read. I thoroughly loved The Eve of St. Agnes as well. Keats based this poem on the superstition that a girl could see her future husband in a dream, if she performed certain rites on the eve of St. Agnes.

At one point in time, I had a difficult time finding books I actually found pleasure in reading. I thought the problem was with me at first. When I shifted my focus to some of the literary greats and classics, I began to find what I was looking for. My choice is not out of snobbery; simply pick up just about any "modern day bestseller" on The New York Times, and compare the difference.

I appreciate writers who not only care about their craft, but actually live and breathe penning down everything they have to onto paper. I'm not interested in formulas (there's enough of that in the music industry), and I'm not interested in writers that are banking on a current hot topic: be it vampires, urban faery, whatnot.

Perhaps I gauge a good writer/a good book, by how little it annoys me in general. John Keats' poetry brings you to another world altogether, and an anthology of his is a worthy addition that should be included in any collection of fine literary works.

Book Wyrms

Book Wyrms 1: Tender is the Knight

These fine gift collectibles would make a lovely gift for bookworms, that are fantasy/dragon lovers too!

The one in the picture is by Andrew Bill, a sculptor of dragon figurines.

His Book Wyrms I series, which features four very nice dragons, were actually made to fit together in a row. Book Wyrms II follows this pattern as well. The brilliant, colorful dragons are made from a cold cast resin, and hand painted with much attention to detail. Each order comes packaged in a neat box that looks like a pile of books.

The dragons are cleverly named. In Book Wyrms I, they're called White Fang, Drakes of Wrath, Lord of the Wings, and Tender is the Knight. The dragons in Book Wyrms II are Crouching Dragon, Hidden Tiger, Gone with the Wind, Black Beauty, and My Friend Flicker.

There are many more products found at IBelieveCollectibles.com.

Fairy cards and tins feature the mystical artwork of Nene Thomas, Amy Brown, and Jessica Galbreth. 2008 Calendars are available in limited quantities as well, so it'd be best to order early to avoid heartache at a later date.

I Believe Collectibles was created to provide a retail outlet for high quality collectibles where magic could be created everyday. They sure are meeting their goal of bringing joy and enchantment into the world, by offering unique items from all over the fantasy realm.

Hooked on Books

For the book lover - here's a unique gift idea. A bookhook. These are beautiful bookmarks which you can even customise at http://www.hookmarks.com/
There are some related to professions or hobbies so it's a thoughtful and personal gift item. Here are just a couple of what they look like.