Books

The complete 'Burton Club' limited edition of Richard Burton's English translation of, 'One Thousand and One Nights'. The 'Burton Club' Samara Edition. Limited to 1000 numbered sets, of which this is number 339. Complete in seventeen volumes. Uniformly bound in the publisher's original cloth. Each volume is illustrated with a frontispiece and numerous monochrome plates throughout. Richard Burton's complete English translation of the famous collection of ancient Middle Eastern folktales, 'One Thousand and One Nights', a work which continues to have an immense influence on world literature today. Popular characters which originated in these tales include Aladdin, Sinbad, and Ali Baba. Burton's edition was originally published in ten volumes c1882, but was later followed by seven volumes titled, 'The Supplemental Nights to the Thousand Nights and a Night', both of these works are present in this set. Although widely popular, Burton was criticised for his extensive footnotes focusing on his anthropological interests which included sexual practices. Due to the Victorian laws of 'obscene material', Burton was forced to print these privately for subscribers' only. The 'Burton Club' editions were American editions published circa 1903 to 1930. The editions were named after Middle Eastern cities such as Benares, Mecca, Baghdad and Samara. Richard Francis Burton was a British explorer, writer and orientalist scholar. He is best known for his expedition to Mecca, in disguise as a Muslim, at a time when non-Muslims were strictly forbidden. Each volume has a bookseller's label for, 'Angus & Robertson', to the front paste-down. Uniformly bound in the publisher's original cloth. Externally, smart with some shelf wear to the edges. Some fraying to the spines. Marks to the boards. Marks to the spine labels, affecting the text on several volumes. Loss to spine label of volume four. Hinges strained, but still firm. Handling marks and scattered spots to the paste-downs and free endpapers. Bookseller's label to the front paste-downs. Closed tear of about half an inch to the rear free endpaper of volume one. Internally, binding slightly strained but still firmly bound. Pages lightly age-toned to the edges but generally very bright and clean. Scattered spots and marks throughout, with the occasional small closed tear to the edges. Good.

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.