The first traditionally-published novel is generally believed to be "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu. It was written in the 11th century in Japan and is considered one of the first works of its kind.
The novel follows the life of Prince Genji and the intricate tales of the many women he encounters. It explores themes such as love, duty, friendship, revenge, and passion and is considered one of the greatest novels of all time. It was a huge success in Japan and was eventually translated into English in 1925.
Murasaki Shikibu was a part of the Heian court and wrote the novel as a female writer in a male-dominated society, making her work a trailblazer for women in literature. While "The Tale of Genji" was not the first novel ever written, it was the first known to be traditionally published.
For more information about "The Tale of Genji" and the impact it had on the literary world, you can check out the websites below:
• The Tale of Genji: A Digital Archive (https://taleofgenji.org/)
• History of Novels (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_novels)
