'Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan' Summary

The *Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan* are a collection of three translated diaries written by women of the Japanese court during the latter part of the Heian Period (11th century A.D.). The diaries provide a unique glimpse into the lives of these women and offer insights into the political and social life of the Heian Period. The first diary is by Sugawara no Takasue no Musume, a woman who served as a lady-in-waiting to Empress Shoshi. The diary covers a period of about ten years and provides a detailed account of the daily life of the court. The diary also includes descriptions of important events, such as the birth of the emperor's son and the death of the empress. The second diary is by Murasaki Shikibu, the author of *The Tale of Genji*. The diary covers a period of about two years and provides insights into Murasaki's creative process. The diary also includes descriptions of Murasaki's daily life and her relationships with her family and friends. The third diary is by Izumi Shikibu, a poet and novelist. The diary covers a period of about five years and provides a glimpse into the life of a woman who was both a creative artist and a member of the court. The diary includes descriptions of Izumi's travels, her relationships with her lovers, and her struggles with illness.