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FOLIOS LIMITED
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Description

original black cloth with gilt and silver decorations, bookplates of William Hall Baron Wavertree, and John Hely-Hutchinson, Chippenham Lodge, Ely, head of a few spines rubbed, head of Volume 1 neatly repaired, Volume 5 neat repair to spine, Volume 10 neatly re-backed retaining original spine, Supplemental Nights Volume 6 neatly re-backed retaining original spine, small neat repairs to two other volumes, including the Supplemental Nights, Printed by the Kamashastra Society for Private Subscribers Only, Benares, first edition, 1885-88. First edition of Burton's translation. It remains the only translation of the complete Nights, Burton's magnum opus and the pre-eminent English translation of the Middle Eastern classic. Richard Burton travelled to Mecca, explored the African Great Lakes and shocked his readers with his candid travel accounts; he was one of the foremost linguists of his time, and also an explorer, poet, translator, ethnologist, and archaeologist, among other things. ?The Thousand Nights and a Night? is probably the most famous of all his many works. This translation reflected his encyclopaedic knowledge of Arabic language, sexual practices and life: "it reveals a profound acquaintance with the vocabulary and customs of the Muslims, with their classical idiom," [Encl. Brit.] as well as colloquialisms, philosophy, modes of thought and intimate details. The first edition was published in 1885-88 and reissued by the Burton Club shortly thereafter. The Arabian Nights? Entertainment is "a collection of ancient Persian-Indian-Arabian tales, originally in Arabic, arranged in its present form about 1450, probably in Cairo. The collection is also known as A Thousand and One Nights. Although the stories are distinct in plot, they are unified by Scheherazade, the supposed teller; she postpones her execution by telling her husband Schahriah, a story night after night, without revealing the climax until the following session. Sir Richard Burton?s monumental version was issued only to subscribers by the Kamashastra Society of Benares in 1885-86. Among the more recent editions is [one] by Powys Mathers" (Ben�t?s Reader?s Encyclopedia). The most popular stories include "Aladdin," "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves," and "Sinbad the Sailor." "Burton arrived at Bombay in October 1842 and was posted to Baroda, about 400 kilometres to the north, where he spent much of his time perfecting his knowledge of Hindustani and Arabic." (R. J. Howgego). Bibliographic references: Cf. Howgego III, B98 (p. 146, first ed. 1885-88). #34716.

About The Arabian Nights

The "Kitāb 'Alf Layla wa-Layla" (The Book of One Thousand and One Nights), commonly known in English as "The Arabian Nights," is a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales compiled in Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age. Spanning from the 8th to the 14th centuries, this collection has been a significant cultural artifact, reflecting the complexity, traditions, and values of the Islamic world of its time. It has also played a crucial role in shaping Western perceptions of the East and has influenced an array of literary, musical, cinematic, and artistic endeavors across the globe. This essay explores the origins, structure, themes, and influence of "The Arabian Nights," shedding light on its enduring legacy and significance. The origins of "The Arabian Nights" are complex and multicultural, with stories traced back to ancient and medieval Persian, Indian, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian literature. These tales were gradually compiled and translated into Arabic, with the earliest references to the collection appearing in the 9th century. However, it was during the Islamic Golden Age that the collection, as known today, began to take shape, incorporating various stories of merchants, heroes, villains, jesters, and supernatural beings, reflecting the vibrant tapestry of the societies within the Islamic caliphates. At the heart of "The Arabian Nights" is the frame story of Shahrazad (Scheherazade), the daughter of the vizier, who volunteers to marry the sultan Shahryar. The sultan, betrayed by his first wife, vows to marry a new bride each day and have her executed the next morning to prevent further betrayal. Shahrazad, to save herself and future brides, tells Shahryar a story each night, leaving it incomplete and promising to finish it the following night. This narrative technique not only serves to connect the disparate tales but also showcases the power of storytelling as a means of transformation and survival. "The Arabian Nights" encapsulates a plethora of themes, including justice, betrayal, love, bravery, and the supernatural. The stories range from historical narratives and tragic romances to humorous anecdotes and moral lessons, offering insights into the diverse and complex societies from which they originate. The collection also frequently employs motifs such as jinn, magical devices, and fantastical creatures, weaving a rich tapestry that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. The impact of "The Arabian Nights" on world literature and culture cannot be overstated. The tales have been translated into numerous languages and have inspired countless adaptations in literature, opera, film, and visual arts. Characters like Aladdin, Sinbad, and Ali Baba have become cultural icons, and the themes of the tales have resonated with audiences around the globe, transcending cultural and temporal boundaries. Moreover, "The Arabian Nights" has contributed significantly to Western perceptions of the East, albeit through an orientalist lens that has often romanticized and exoticized Eastern cultures. This aspect of its legacy invites critical examination and dialogue about cultural representation and appropriation.