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