Even at a time when we are surrounded by screens, the sight of an old hardbound book that you love can cause you to stop for a moment. The rustle of its aging pages, its familiar words, and the door it opens into a different world can completely lift your spirits, soften the glare of devices around you, and calm the frenetic energy of a digital environment.
Click start to play today’s literature-themed Crossword and match the author to his or her book!
According to the BBC, the world’s first novel may have been written 1,000 years ago, between 1010 to 1021 – by a woman! The Tale of Genji was authored by Imperial lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu in Japan, and tells the story of the romantic and political adventures of Prince Genji. The book shot to prominence in the West in 1925 when an English translation was reviewed by renowned author Virginia Woolf for British Vogue magazine.
The Tale of Genji is considered to be the first modern novel and the first psychological novel, although there is some debate over whether it was the first novel ever to be written in the world.
Chariton, a Greek writer, is responsible for probably the earliest extant romantic novel: Callirhoe. The story, which was written in the first century AD, is a fast-paced historical romance following the adventures of a beautiful young bride who is abducted by pirates.
Another early piece of writing, Kadambari, comes from India in the seventh century AD. Written in Sanskrit by writer and poet Banabhatta, and completed after his death by his son Bhushanabhatta, the novel is full of complex storylines, intricate plots, and several subplots. In fact, the main protagonist Princess Kadambari only appears in the second-half of the book!
One thing is clear, though, storytelling is part of every culture’s lore and legacy.
Which is your favourite book? Play today’s Crossword and let us know at games@gulfnews.com.
